Nigeria: Lagos State Govt Defends Lekki-Epe Minibus Restriction After Drivers' Protest
Lagos State Government defends its ban on minibuses along the Lekki-Epe Expressway after protests from drivers who oppose the new transportation policy.
The Lagos State Government has stood firm on its decision to restrict 'korope' minibuses from operating on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, which was met with protests from drivers blocking portions of the road. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, labeled the drivers' actions as disruptive and in violation of prior agreements established with transport stakeholders. These restrictions are part of a broader strategy to improve transportation efficiency along the corridor.
The government stated that the Lekki-Epe corridor has undergone a redesignation under the Bus Reform Initiative, aiming to transition away from informal minibus operations towards a more structured transport system featuring medium- and high-capacity buses. The rollout of these new bus services is slated for December 2025, which intends to facilitate a more regulated and efficient mass transit system in Lagos. This initiative reflects the state government's commitment to enhancing public transport and reducing congestion on the busy expressway.
The reaction from drivers highlights the tension between government regulations and informal transportation operators, who often feel threatened by formalization efforts. As public transport reforms continue, the government's approach will likely face ongoing scrutiny from stakeholders affected by these significant policy changes. The outcome of these reforms could reshape the transportation landscape in Lagos, stressing the importance of communication and collaboration between authorities and transport operators to avoid further unrest.