Lagos Condemns Lekki–Epe Expressway Blockade, Restates Commitment to Bus Reform
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Government has condemned the blockade of the CMS–Lekki–Epe Expressway by some mini-bus operators, popularly known as Korope, describing the action as a violation of agreements reached with transport unions on the ongoing Bus Reform Initiative (BRI).
The government expressed deep concern over the disruption of traffic along the busy corridor on Tuesday, February 17, and Wednesday, February 18, 2026, noting that the protest contravened resolutions jointly adopted after extensive stakeholder engagements.
According to the government, discussions on restructuring public transport operations along the Lekki–Epe corridor began in 2024.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on June 27, 2024, a communiqué was endorsed by the Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation; and the state chairmen of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
Key resolutions from the meeting included the restructuring of existing bus operations on the corridor, deployment of high-capacity buses in line with the Lagos State Transport Policy and Bus Route Network (BRN), reallocation of Korope minibuses to inner arterial routes, introduction of an e-ticketing system, and the regulation and standardisation of bus services to enhance safety and security.
Stakeholders at the time reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative implementation of the reforms aimed at improving commuters’ experience across the state.
At a subsequent meeting on December 2, 2025, stakeholders unanimously agreed that the bus scheme would commence on December 8, 2025.
The first phase of the reform, which will eventually extend to Epe, is set to operate along the Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja routes.
Speaking at the December meeting, chaired by Giwa, Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, it was clarified that one operator would run an express service, while others would provide stopping services along the corridor.
Giwa reiterated that the state government had been working closely with stakeholders to formalise transit operations across Lagos, with a focus on commuter comfort, security, safety and fare stability.
Under the new scheme, participating buses will adopt the standard Lagos blue-and-white colour scheme and feature QR codes embedded in Public Transport Compliance Scheme (PTCS) stickers for verification.
The buses will also carry unique identification codes and Touch and Pay (TAP) stickers, while drivers will display official Ministry of Transportation badges to promote accountability and public confidence.
The state government urged all operators to comply with the agreed reforms, stressing its commitment to a safe, orderly and efficient transport system in the collective interest of commuters and residents.
