By Ghazali Ibrahim
In a shocking move that has triggered frustration among many commuters who say services do not justify the hike, the Lagos State Government has approved a 13 percent increase in fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard routes.
In a press release posted on the official X handle, Kolawole Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communication at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), said that the new fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the increase following appeals from regulated public transport operators who cited rising operational costs, inflation and the new national minimum wage as reasons for the review.
According to the statement, the adjustment is aimed at cushioning the impact of sustained economic challenges affecting public transport operations. It also referenced Nigeria’s inflation rate, which reportedly closed 2025 at 15.2 percent, based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
However, commuters across major BRT corridors expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the fare hike comes without noticeable improvement in service delivery.
“I spend over 40 minutes waiting for a bus during rush hour,” said Tunde Adebayo, a commenter on X.
“Now they want to increase fares again, but the buses are still overcrowded and sometimes break down.”
Several passengers complained about long queues, insufficient buses during peak hours and inconsistent schedules. Others pointed to concerns about maintenance and comfort, saying that some buses remain poorly ventilated despite promises of modern, fuel-efficient replacements.
“I don’t mind paying more if the service improves,” said Chidinma Okeke. “But right now, it feels like we are paying more for the same problems.”
The government noted in its statement that Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) are grappling with rising costs, including vehicle maintenance, spare parts and staff salaries. It also stated that operators are investing in newer and cleaner buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability.
Yet transport advocates say affordability remains a key concern in a city where many residents rely heavily on public buses for daily commuting.
The state government reassured commuters of its commitment to balancing affordability with safe, reliable and efficient transportation.
But as the March 2 implementation date approaches, many Lagos residents say what they want most is not just reassurance but visible improvement in service quality.
