- Safiu Kehinde
The Lagos State Government has barred the usage of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and other regulated public transport buses for the transportation of goods and heavy loads.
The directive is slated to take effect across all regulated buses from the 1st of June, 2026.
This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority’s (LAMATA) Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi.
According to Ojelabi, the decision, reached during a meeting between LAMATA and bus operating companies staekholders, was borne out of complaints of compromise in passengers’ comfort, safety, and efficient service delivery.
“The decision follows growing complaints and operational challenges faced by commuters as a result of the increasing use of regulated buses for the transportation of goods and heavy loads, thereby compromising passenger comfort, safety, and efficient service delivery.
“The directive was reached after a strategic meeting between LAMATA and heads of operations and maintenance of bus operating companies, where it was unanimously agreed that the practice must be halted and properly reorganized to ensure a balanced and sustainable system that protects the interests of commuters while supporting transport operators.” The statement partly read.
LAMATA emphasized that the enforcement of the suspension will be strict and uncompromising as it warned bus drivers, terminal officials of severe consequences if the directive gets violated.
“Any bus driver found violating the directive by conveying goods during the suspension period will face immediate sack and be blacklisted.
“In addition, any ground staff or LAMATA personnel at terminals or loading points found aiding, permitting, or facilitating the loading of goods onto regulated buses will be summarily dismissed without exception.
“The Authority warned that there will be zero tolerance for non-compliance, as the government remains committed to restoring order, safety, and efficiency within the public transport system.” The statement read further.
LAMATA charged all commuters, transport operators, terminal officials, and members of the public to fully comply with the directive and make alternative arrangements for the movement of goods.
The authority reiterated its commitment to delivering a safe, reliable, and commuter-focused transportation system for all Lagos residents.