The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares on Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, and other standard bus routes across the state.
Following petitions from regulated public transport providers who expressed worries about the growing expense of operating their services, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu supported the decision.
The fare increase would impact all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) programs, including BRT and regular routes, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) said in a statement. The revised rates will go into effect on Monday, March 2, 2026.
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According to the state administration, the hike is intended to lessen the strain that persistent economic difficulties are placing on public transport operators. Additionally, it said that the review adheres to the state’s already-approved yearly fare review process.
Persistent inflation, according to LAMATA, made the decision essential. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate ended 2025 at 15.2%.
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According to the statement, Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have been struggling with increased operating costs, such as worker salaries, spare parts, and vehicle upkeep. It further stated that these expenses went up much more when the new national minimum wage was implemented.
“In a bid to maintain and improve service standards, operators are also investing in the procurement of new, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability,” the statement said.
Road users were reassured by the government that it is still dedicated to finding a balance between affordability and the requirement for Lagos State to have safe, dependable, and effective public transit.
It further stated that the fee increase is a component of initiatives to maintain the seamless operation of the public transport system while guaranteeing operators’ long-term viability and better passenger service.
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