LASG Condemns Lekki–Epe Expressway Blockade, Insists on Full Compliance with Bus Reform Plan
The Lagos State Government has condemned the blockage of the busy CMS–Lekki–Epe Expressway by some mini bus operators, popularly known as Korope, describing the action as a violation of agreements previously reached with transport stakeholders.
The disruption, which occurred on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th, 2026, is said to be contrary to resolutions jointly adopted by the government and two major transport unions, the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, after extensive consultations.
Discussions on the implementation of the Bus Reform Initiative along the Lekki–Epe corridor began in 2024. At a stakeholders meeting held on June 27, 2024, a communique was endorsed by the Special Adviser on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, and the state chairmen of both unions.
Resolutions from that meeting included the restructuring of existing public transport operations on the corridor, deployment of high capacity buses in line with the Lagos State Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network, reallocation of Korope minibuses to inner arterial routes, introduction of an electronic ticketing system, regulation and standardization of bus operations, and improved safety and security along the route.
All parties reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the reform to enhance transportation services across the state.
At a subsequent meeting held on December 2, 2025, stakeholders unanimously agreed that the new bus scheme would commence on December 8, 2025. The first phase of the reform, which will eventually extend to Epe, will operate along Ajah to CMS Marina Obalende, Ajah to Oshodi, Ajah to Berger, and Ajah to Iyana Ipaja routes.
The meeting, chaired by Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, clarified that one operator would run express services, while others would provide stopping services along the corridor.
Giwa reiterated that the state government has continued to collaborate with stakeholders to formalize transit operations across Lagos, with emphasis on commuter comfort, security, safety, and fare stability.
According to the government, buses participating in the new scheme will carry the standard Lagos State blue and white regulated colour scheme. They will feature active QR codes embedded in PTCS stickers for verification, unique identification codes, and Touch and Pay stickers. Drivers will also display official Ministry of Transportation badges to promote accountability and public confidence.
The government urged all transport operators to comply fully with the agreed reforms, stressing its commitment to building a safe, orderly, and efficient transport system in the overall interest of commuters and the state.
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