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The Lagos State Government has officially approved a 13 percent fare increase for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other regulated bus routes, a move designed to keep the city’s transport network sustainable amidst mounting economic pressures.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the green light for the adjustment following urgent appeals from transport operators who cited the soaring costs of keeping their fleets on the road.
According to a detailed statement from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the new pricing structure will apply to all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes. Commuters should prepare for the change to take effect starting Monday, March 2, 2026.
The state government explained that the decision was a difficult but necessary step to shield public transport operators from a deepening economic crunch. The review is also in line with the state’s established annual fare assessment system.
A key driver behind the urgency was the persistent rise in inflation. LAMATA pointed out that Nigeria’s inflation rate reached 15.2 percent by the end of 2025, creating a challenging environment for the Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) tasked with moving millions of Lagosians daily.
Beyond fuel, operators have faced a spike in the costs of vehicle maintenance, imported spare parts, and the recent implementation of the new national minimum wage for their staff.
Despite the hike, the government emphasized that the extra revenue would be channeled back into the system. “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 noted.
Acknowledging the impact on residents, the government reaffirmed its commitment to finding a middle ground between keeping fares affordable and ensuring that public transport remains safe, reliable, and efficient.
Ultimately, the fare adjustment is being framed as a vital investment in the long-term survival of the transport sector, ensuring that service delivery continues to improve even as the cost of living fluctuates.