Why Lagos increased BRT fares by 13% — Government explains

The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares for buses under the Bus Reform Initiative, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard routes.

The Head of Corporate Communication at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, announced this in a statement on Monday.

He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the fare increase after bus operators complained about rising costs affecting their operations.
According to Ojelabi, the new fares will begin on Monday, March 2.

He explained that the increase is meant to help bus operators cope with ongoing economic challenges.

He added that the adjustment follows the government’s approved yearly fare review plan.
Ojelabi noted that Nigeria’s inflation rate ended 2025 at 15.2 per cent, based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

He said bus companies are facing higher costs for vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and workers’ salaries, especially after the new national minimum wage was introduced.

He also said operators are investing in cleaner and more fuel-efficient buses to improve passenger comfort and protect the environment.

The government, he added, is trying to balance affordable transport with safe, reliable, and efficient services for residents of Lagos.