Lagos approves 13% fare hike for BRT

The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares across all services under the Bus Reform Initiative, which includes the Bus Rapid Transit system and standard bus routes throughout the state.

According to a Monday statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communication of the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, the revised fare structure will come into effect on Monday, March 2, 2026.

He stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted the approval after receiving appeals from regulated public transport operators, who highlighted the mounting challenges threatening the long-term viability of their operations in Nigeria’s current economic climate.

“The urgency of the review, officials noted, is underscored by persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria’s inflation rate closing 2025 at 15.2 per cent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

“Bus operating companies 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,” he stated.

The statement added that, in a bid to maintain and improve service standards, operators were also investing in the procurement of new, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability.

The government reassured commuters of its commitment to balancing affordability with the need to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation across the state.