The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of its workforce and investing in human capital development, with major allocations in its 2025 and 2026 budgets dedicated to training, education, and social support.
Speaking during the presentation of insurance death benefits to families of deceased public servants, the Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, said the state is placing strong emphasis on people-focused development.
He explained that the 2026 budget, valued at ₦4.44 trillion and tagged the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” reflects this approach. According to him, ₦2.3 trillion is earmarked for capital projects, while ₦2.1 trillion is set aside for recurrent expenditure, much of which supports staff welfare and development.
Oluyomi noted that Lagos is prioritising its workforce more than any other state, stressing that investment in people is just as important as infrastructure.
“We are not just building infrastructure; we are building people. Our investments in training, welfare, and social protection are aimed at improving productivity and ensuring quality service delivery,” he said.
He added that the government has increased funding for education, workforce development, and social protection programmes to reposition the civil service for better efficiency and accountability.
Highlighting staff welfare initiatives, Oluyomi pointed to the insurance death benefit scheme as a key support system for workers and their families. He disclosed that ₦701 million has been paid to 232 beneficiaries, including families of deceased staff and those affected by job losses.
The payments, he said, are made in batches and are part of a long-standing tradition of ensuring that workers’ entitlements are settled without delay.
“This shows that the government stands by its workers, not only during service but also in difficult times,” he said.
He added that some beneficiaries received between ₦12 million and ₦14 million, noting that while such support cannot replace lost loved ones, it helps families cope with financial challenges such as housing, education, and healthcare.
Oluyomi also highlighted other welfare-focused policies, including vehicle support schemes, regular training programmes, improved working environments, health insurance, and subsidised education.
He assured that the insurance payout scheme would continue as a permanent feature of the state’s welfare structure, providing a safety net for public servants.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mahmud Tajudeen Alao, described the event as both solemn and meaningful, noting that it was a way of honouring the contributions of deceased workers.
He extended condolences to the families and emphasised that the initiative reflects both a legal and moral responsibility of the government to support its workforce.
Alao said the scheme ensures that families of deceased employees are not left vulnerable, adding that it demonstrates the government’s compassion and commitment to its workers.
He assured that efforts would continue to strengthen welfare policies, improve transparency, and enhance overall support for public servants across the state.
