The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 percent increase in fares for services operating under the Bus Reform Initiative, including the Bus Rapid Transit system and other regulated bus routes across the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the adjustment following appeals from licensed public transport operators, who cited rising operational costs and economic pressures affecting the sustainability of their services.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communication at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Kolawole Ojelabi, the new fare structure will take effect on Monday, March 2, 2026.
According to the statement, the increase is intended to cushion the impact of persistent economic challenges on transport operators and is consistent with the state’s annual fare review framework. It noted that ongoing inflation has significantly increased the cost of operations.
Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the statement said Nigeria’s headline inflation rate stood at 15.15 percent in December 2025 and moderated slightly to about 15.1 percent in January 2026, levels that continue to strain transport providers.
Operators have reportedly faced higher expenses related to vehicle maintenance, imported spare parts, and staff wages, especially following the implementation of the new national minimum wage. Additionally, companies are investing in upgrading their fleets with newer, more fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort, maintain service quality, and support environmental sustainability efforts.
The state government assured commuters that the decision was reached after careful consideration, aiming to strike a balance between keeping transport affordable and ensuring that operators can continue to provide reliable services.
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