Fare Hike Sparks Outrage As Lagos Govt Raises BRT Costs By 13%

The Lagos State Government has sanctioned a 13 percent fare increase for all services operating under the Bus Reform Initiative.

The adjustment affects the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system as well as other government-regulated bus routes across the state.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the revised fares following strong appeals from transport operators, who cited mounting operational costs and economic challenges as threats to the sustainability of their services.

In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Kolawole Ojelabi, the new fare structure will come into effect on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The agency explained that the fare increase is intended to cushion the impact of prevailing economic pressures on transport providers.

Part of the statement read:

“The adjustment is aimed at mitigating the severe effects of ongoing economic challenges on public transportation operators. It is also in line with the state’s established annual fare review framework. The urgency of this decision is driven by sustained inflationary pressures.

“According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate stood at 15.15 percent in December 2025, with a slight moderation to approximately 15.1 percent in January 2026. These levels continue to significantly impact operating costs.