Feb 18 • 16:26 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Lagos defends minibus ban on Lekki–Epe corridor, condemns drivers’ protest

The Lagos State Government is upholding its ban on unregulated minibuses on the Lekki-Epe Expressway, citing safety concerns and condemning a protest by drivers as economic sabotage.

The Lagos State Government has recently affirmed its permanent ban on unregulated minibuses, known as Korope, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. This decision comes in the wake of protests by minibus drivers who blocked the Ajah axis of the corridor, temporarily halting traffic. Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser on Transportation to the Governor, labeled the drivers' protests as a form of economic sabotage and a menace to public safety, which he stated would not deter the government's plans.

In the official statement issued by the transportation ministry, it was emphasized that the Lekki-Epe corridor is transitioning into a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor as part of the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI). This framework aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of public transport in Lagos, moving away from unregulated operations that have traditionally led to chaos on the roads. The government's strategy, which is data-driven, reflects a broader initiative to streamline mass transit in Lagos, addressing the city’s growing traffic issues and improving public safety standards.

The drivers, who depend on Korope minibuses for their livelihoods, have expressed their frustration over the ban, arguing that it threatens their income and disproportionately impacts low-income commuters who rely on more affordable transportation options. However, the state government maintains that safety must take precedence, and the prerequisites for transit regulations are non-negotiable in order to ensure a safer and more organized transit experience for all Lagosians.

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