- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved a 13 percent hike in fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard routes.
This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Head, Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi.
According to the statement, Sanwo-Olu gave the approval following a passionate appeal from regulated public transport operators, who raised concerns over the sustainability of transit operations amid mounting economic pressures.
LAMATA cited the increased expenses for vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff salaries caused by the rise in inflation rate as reason behind the development.
“The urgency of the review, officials noted, is underscored by persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria’s inflation rate closing 2025 at 15.2 percent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
“Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have continued to grapple with rising operational costs, including increased expenses for vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage structure.” The statement partly read.
LAMATA said the new fare structure, which will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026. is aimed at cushioning the impact of sustained economic challenges affecting public transport operations.
The review is also considered to be in line with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism.
The state government further maintained that the increment would enable LAMATA maintain and improve service standards of the bus operations.
It reassured commuters of its commitment to balancing affordability with the need to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation across the state.