Lagos insists on mini-bus restriction on Lekki–Epe corridor
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has reaffirmed the restriction of mini buses, popularly known as Korope, along the Lekki–Epe Corridor, describing the policy as a key component of the
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has reaffirmed the restriction of mini buses, popularly known as Korope, along the Lekki–Epe Corridor, describing the policy as a key component of the state’s Bus Reform Initiative.
The statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola, addressed concerns arising from the reform, which limits operations on the corridor to medium- and high-capacity buses.
Ogunlola stated that under the framework, mini buses are confined to inner routes, a development that has recently triggered protests and public debate among operators.
The statement said the reform is anchored on the Lagos Strategic Transportation Master Plan, aimed at promoting a structured and sustainable mass transit system.
According to the statement, 10 transport groups have so far successfully registered and are participating in the pilot phase of the initiative.
Read Also:Aiyedatiwa vows to prioritise road construction, infrastructure, healthcare
The ministry urged operators yet to comply to complete their registration, stressing that inclusivity and stakeholder collaboration remain central to the policy.
It also appealed to residents, traders and transporters along the Lekki–Epe axis to support the reform, describing it as critical to achieving a safer and more efficient transportation system.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said the initiative prioritises efficiency, safety and effective traffic management across major corridors.
“Instead of having 10 smaller buses operating independently on a route, one large-capacity bus can transport the same number of passengers. This results in fewer vehicles on the road, reduced traffic congestion, lower environmental pollution and improved economic productivity,” he said.
He noted that transport operations along the corridor had been largely unregulated prior to the intervention, adding that government action became necessary to ensure accountability and safety.
Giwa added that transport unions and corridor operators were engaged before enforcement and encouraged to formalise their operations through structured registration.
The state government reiterated that the restriction of unregulated mini buses on the Lekki–Epe Expressway is a permanent, data-driven policy and warned that traffic disruption along the corridor would not be tolerated.
