The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares across Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other regulated standard bus routes in the state.
The decision was endorsed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following appeals from public transport operators, who cited rising operational costs and mounting economic pressures. The fare adjustment will apply to all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, including BRT and standard bus services, and will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) explained that the review was necessary to ease the growing financial burden on regulated Bus Operating Companies (BOCs). According to the agency, the fare increase aligns with the state’s already approved annual fare review framework.
LAMATA noted that persistent inflation has significantly affected the cost of public transportation, adding that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed 2025 at 15.2 per cent, based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The statement further explained that BOCs have continued to grapple with rising expenses, including vehicle maintenance, spare parts, fuel-related costs, and staff salaries. These pressures, it said, were compounded by the recent implementation of the new national minimum wage.
“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,” LAMATA stated.
The Lagos State Government reassured commuters that it remains sensitive to the impact of fare increases on residents. It said efforts were being made to strike a balance between affordability for passengers and the financial sustainability of transport operators.
According to the government, the fare adjustment is aimed at ensuring the continued smooth operation of public transport services across the state, while also supporting long-term system sustainability and improved service delivery.
Residents were urged to take note of the new fares as enforcement begins on the effective date.
