The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 percent increase in fares under its Bus Reform Initiative schemes, covering Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard bus routes across the state.
The Head of Corporate Communications at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, announced the adjustment in a statement issued on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Ojelabi said the approval followed appeals from regulated bus operators who cited mounting economic pressures threatening the sustainability of operations.
According to him, the new fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
He explained that the review was necessary to cushion the impact of persistent economic challenges affecting public transportation services in Lagos. The adjustment, he added, aligns with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism designed to reflect prevailing market realities.
Ojelabi referenced data from the National Bureau of Statistics, noting that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed 2025 at 15.2 percent, further intensifying operational costs for transport providers.
Bus Operating Companies, he said, continue to grapple with rising maintenance expenses, increasing costs of spare parts, and higher wage obligations following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
“In a bid to maintain and improve service standards, operators are investing in cleaner, fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability,” he stated.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the fare adjustment as part of efforts to sustain service delivery while maintaining a balance between affordability and operational viability.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable and efficient public transportation for residents despite prevailing economic pressures.
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