CITIZENS COMPASS— The users of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) across Lagos State will now pay a 13% increase in fares.
The Lagos State Government yesterday, announced the 13 per cent increase in the fares which cut across all services under the Bus Reform Initiative including the BRT system and standard bus routes.
The state Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, granted the approval after receiving a passionate appeal from regulated public transport operators, who stated that the economic challenges in Nigeria are threatening their operations.
In a statement by Head of Corporate Communication, LAMATA Kolawole Ojelabi, the revised fare structure will come into effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
“The adjustment is designed to help offset the severe impact of ongoing economic pressures on public transport providers. It also aligns with the state’s previously established annual fare review mechanism. The urgency of the measure is driven by persistent inflationary trends.
“Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows Nigeria’s headline inflation rate stood at 15.15 percent in December 2025, with only slight moderation to around 15.1 percent in January 2026, levels that continue to exert heavy strain on operating costs,” the statement added.
The statement added that bus operating companies have been contending with sharply rising expenses in several key areas, including vehicle maintenance and repairs, imported spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the rollout of the new national minimum wage.
“In addition, operators are committing significant resources to fleet renewal, procuring newer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to boost passenger comfort, maintain high service standards, and advance environmental sustainability goals in Lagos.
“The state government sought to reassure commuters that the decision reflects a careful effort to balance affordability with operational necessities.
