Kunle Adelabu
Residents of Lagos have kicked against the 13 per cent increase of transport fares by the Lagos State Government, across all services under the Bus Reform Initiative, which includes the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and standard bus routes throughout the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted the approval after receiving a passionate appeal from regulated public transport operators who highlighted rising operational costs and sustained economic pressures on public transport operators.
According to the state government, the revised fare structure will come into effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
In a statement by Head of Corporate Communications at Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, he said that the decision was taken to “cushion the impacts of sustained economic challenges affecting public transport operations”.
He added that the review is also in line with the previously approved annual peer review mechanism”.
The urgency of the measure, the government noted, is driven by persistent inflationary trends, and also pointing out that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed in 2025 at 15.2 per cent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.
It was further deduced that Bus Operating Companies (BOCs), have faced increased expenses related to vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff remuneration, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Meanwhile, residents have kicked against the hike in fare as approved by the Governor.
Adekunle Razaq Aderibigbe (ARA), a public commentator, speaking on THE IMPACT newspaper WhatsApp platform, sought for further explanation on the inflation that the state has highlighted as main reason for the 13 per cent fare hike for public transport.
“Is this the inflation rate or economic pressure Lagos State Government is pointing to?”, he asked.
Princess Adetope Kosoko, a retired Registrar, Lagos State Polytechnic, in her own reaction, also aligned with Aderibigbe’s query.
“I wonder oh. Ko ye mi oh!”. (I do not understand the reason either).
Another public commentator and community leader in Ikorodu North LCDA of Lagos State, Elder Olu Omoniyi, also queried the rationale behind the increment.
“How do we explain this to the larger community, more especially at this period when adherents of the two religions are praying to have the adorable glimpse of our much “taunted” enduring democracy through our leaders. LAMATA, e ku ise takuntakun, Oluwa a s’agbara yin d’otun!”.
Engr. Sammy Adebajo, also commenting on the platform, wrote:
“Wonder shall never end. This is disgusting!!! Lagos state govt, we hail thee”.
A senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Mr Ade Thomas Inasa, also queried:
“What happened to subsidies for the masses?”
Meanwhile, while speaking in favour of the government’s decision, Comrade Juliu Alade Oloyede, assured residents that the increment is temporary.
“Abatement will ensue in due course. PPP ventures are often subjected to the bust and boom of the prevailing economics.
“Still BEHOPERENEWED”, he said.
