Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has approved a 13 percent increase in fares across services under the Bus Reform Initiative in Lagos State, covering the Bus Rapid Transit system and standard bus routes statewide.
The decision was announced by the Head of Corporate Communication at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, who confirmed that the revised fare structure will take effect from March 2, 2026.
According to LAMATA, the adjustment follows appeals from regulated public transport operators who have raised concerns about the sustainability of their operations amid prevailing economic pressures in Nigeria. The agency explained that the increase is intended to cushion the impact of rising operational costs while aligning with the state’s annual fare review mechanism.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, LAMATA noted that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate stood at 15.15 percent in December 2025 and moderated slightly to about 15.1 percent in January 2026. These inflationary trends have continued to strain transport operators through higher costs of vehicle maintenance, imported spare parts, fuel, and staff salaries, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Operators under the Bus Reform Initiative have also invested significantly in fleet renewal, introducing newer and more fuel efficient buses aimed at improving passenger comfort, maintaining service standards, and supporting environmental sustainability objectives within Lagos.
The state government reassured commuters that the fare adjustment represents a balanced approach designed to ensure the long term viability of public transportation services while maintaining reasonable affordability for residents.
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