The Lagos State Government has expressed deep concern over the actions of certain mini-bus operators, popularly known as Korope, who blocked traffic along the busy CMS–Lekki–Epe Expressway on Tuesday, 17th, and Wednesday, 18th 2026.
The disruption is contrary to the spirit and letter of the agreements jointly reached between the Government and the two major transport unions — the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) — following extensive stakeholder engagements.
Discussions on the implementation of the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) along the Lekki–Epe corridor began in 2024. At a stakeholders’ meeting held on 27th June 2024, a communique was endorsed by the Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation; and the State Chairmen of NURTW and RTEAN. The following resolutions were reached:
- Restructuring of existing public transport bus operations on the Lekki–Epe corridor.
- Deployment of high-capacity buses in line with the Lagos State Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network (BRN).
- Reallocation of Korope/minibuses to inner arterial routes.
- Introduction of an E-Ticketing system.
- Regulation and standardization of bus operations.
- Improved transportation services and enhanced security of lives and property along the corridor.
All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the successful implementation of the reform and to enhance the overall transportation experience in Lagos State.
At a subsequent meeting held on 2nd December 2025, stakeholders unanimously agreed that the bus scheme would commence on 8th December 2025.
The first phase of the reform, which will ultimately extend to Epe, will operate along the following routes:
- Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende
- Ajah–Oshodi
- Ajah–Berger
- Ajah–Iyana Ipaja
At the meeting chaired by Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, it was clarified that one operator would run an express service, while others would provide stopping services along the corridor
Hon. Giwa reiterated that the State Government has been working closely with all stakeholders to fully formalize transit operations across Lagos, with a focus on improving commuter comfort, enhancing security, promoting safety and fare stability.
Buses participating in the new scheme will feature the standard Lagos State blue-and-white regulated colour scheme. They will carry active QR codes embedded in PTCS stickers for quick verification, unique identification codes, and Touch and Pay (TAP) stickers. Drivers will display official Ministry of Transportation badges to ensure accountability and public confidence.
The Lagos State Government remains committed to a safe, orderly, and efficient transport system and urges all operators to comply with agreed reforms in the collective interest of commuters and the State at large.
