The Lagos State Government has paid a total of N4.5 billion in insurance claims to beneficiaries of deceased workers in Local Governments, Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) since the beginning of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

The disclosure was made on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Lanre Agbaje, during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development held in Alausa, Ikeja.

Agbaje said the payment underscores the state government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and social protection, noting that hundreds of families have benefitted from insurance claims following the deaths of their relatives in active service.

According to him, “Three hundred and thirty-eight insurance claims were presented to beneficiaries of deceased SUBEB and Local Government staff during the period under review, while a total of N4.5 billion has been disbursed to families of deceased Local Government and SUBEB workers across the state since the inception of this administration.”

He explained that the intervention forms part of broader efforts to strengthen grassroots governance, improve public service delivery, and enhance accountability across Lagos’ 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.

Beyond insurance payments, Agbaje said the ministry sustained statutory engagements with council chairmen through Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) meetings to ensure prudent management of public funds for grassroots development.

He disclosed that 48 petitions and complaints relating to Local Government and LCDA operations were resolved during the period under review, while 36 circulars were issued to improve policy compliance, accountability, and administrative uniformity across councils.

Agbaje further stated that the ministry facilitated approvals for major council capital projects above N35 million, organised swearing-in ceremonies for elected chairmen and vice-chairmen, and coordinated orientation programmes for newly elected political office holders.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen traditional institutions, noting that four traditional rulers were installed during the review period, while recognised Obas across the state received welfare support, including food items and yuletide packages.

On rural infrastructure development, Agbaje said the government commenced 10 road projects across various communities and completed 53 water schemes, comprising 28 Type “A” water schemes, 15 modified Type “A” schemes, and 10 solar-powered water installations.

He added that 35 transformers and five standalone solar-powered streetlights were deployed in rural communities to improve electricity supply and stimulate economic activities.

According to him, the administration has also approved 80 rural electrification projects since inception, with 42 completed and 38 at various stages of execution.

Agbaje noted that community development remains a key priority, with three community halls constructed in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Ibeju-Lekki, while another facility was rehabilitated in Eredo LCDA.

He added that 279 Community Development Associations (CDAs) were registered, 642 renewals processed, and 11 community disputes resolved within the last year.

The Special Adviser reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to deepening grassroots development through continued investment in rural roads, water infrastructure, electrification, agriculture, and community empowerment programmes.

He also disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved the construction of a new facility to serve as a coordination hub for traditional rulers, council chairmen, and community leaders, aimed at strengthening collaboration and promoting peace and development across the state.