Lagos govt warns mini-bus operators over expressway blockade

The Lagos government has condemned mini-bus operators, known as Korope, for blocking traffic on the CMS–Lekki–Epe Expressway on February 17 and 18.

News Agency of Nigeria • February 19, 2026

Korope

The Lagos government has condemned mini-bus operators, aka Korope, for blocking traffic on the CMS–Lekki–Epe Expressway on February 17 and 18.

The special adviser on transportation, Sola Giwa, made the condemnation in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Giwa said the disruption breached agreements reached between the government and the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria after extensive engagements.

He said discussions on implementing the Bus Reform Initiative along the Lekki–Epe corridor began in 2024.

“At a stakeholders’ meeting on June 27, 2024, a communiqué was endorsed by myself, the permanent secretary, and the state chairmen of NURTW and RTEAN,” he said.

He said resolutions included restructuring bus operations and deploying high-capacity buses under the Lagos Transport Policy and Bus Route Network.

“Other measures were reassigning Korope to inner routes, introducing e-ticketing, standardising operations and enhancing safety and security along the corridor,” he added.

Mr Giwa said stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative implementation to improve transport services across the state.

He said a subsequent meeting on December 2, 2025, agreed that the new bus scheme would begin on December 8, 2025.

The first phase, eventually extending to Epe, will cover the Ajah–CMS/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger, and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja routes.

“At the meeting I chaired, it was clarified that one operator will run express services, while others provide stopping services,” he said.

Mr Giwa said the government was formalising transit operations to improve commuter comfort, safety, security and fare stability.

“Participating buses will adopt the Lagos blue-and-white colour scheme and display QR-coded PTCS and Touch and Pay stickers. Drivers will wear official Ministry badges to guarantee accountability and public confidence,” he said.

He urged operators to comply with agreed reforms, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a safe, orderly and efficient transport system.

(NAN)

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