Ban On ‘Korope’ along Lekki-Epe Expressway irreversible – LASTMA GM Oki

By Paul Iyoghojie

The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Bakare Oki, has called on operators of seven-passenger buses, popularly known as *Korope*, who are still operating illegally along the Lekki–Epe corridor, to desist from protesting the ban on their operations.

He emphasised that such protests disrupt the free flow of traffic and inflict unnecessary hardship on commuters and road users. Oki insisted that the ban on *Korope* buses along the Lekki–Epe Expressway is permanent and irreversible.

In an exclusive interview with P.M.NEWS during the week, Oki explained that the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, was implementing the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) as part of a long-term plan to modernize transportation.

The initiative aims to replace informal, unregulated transport systems such as ‘Korope’ and other rickety vehicles with well-organized, high-capacity buses that prioritize safety, comfort, and efficiency.

He stressed that the reform is not about witch-hunting drivers, as speculated in some quarters, but rather a permanent, data-driven effort to restructure public transportation along the Lekki–Epe corridor.

Oki clarified that ‘Korope’ operators are not banned from operating in Lagos State entirely but are restricted to inner and feeder routes for safety reasons. He added that this restriction aligns with the Lagos State Government’s vision of transforming transportation to meet the standards of a mega city and reinforce Lagos’ status as the Centre of Excellence.

He further noted that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa has held consultations with transport unions, operators, and stakeholders along the Lekki–Epe corridor.

According to Oki, all parties consented to the Bus Reform Initiative and its implementation. Therefore, he maintained that the protests by Korope drivers cannot derail the government’s laudable efforts to reform and restructure transportation along the corridor, as stakeholders have already been fully informed and sensitised about the project.

Oki also directed all drivers operating fourteen- and eighteen-passenger buses along the Lekki–Epe axis to refurbish and repaint their vehicles in the approved blue-and-white colors.

He instructed them to obtain a code and certification from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to operate legally on the corridor, warning that failure to comply would attract sanctions.