Friday, February 20 2026 -Lagos State Government has faulted the blockage of traffic along the CMS–Lekki–Epe Expressway by some mini-bus operators, popularly known as korope, describing the action as a breach of earlier agreements reached with transport unions.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of
Transportation, the government said the disruption occurred on Tuesday,
February 17, and Wednesday, February 18, 2026, despite extensive consultations
with key stakeholders.
According to the statement, the government had engaged the
two major transport unions, the National Union of Road Transport Workers
(NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), before
rolling out reforms for the Lekki–Epe corridor.
Speaking on behalf of the government, the Special Adviser on
Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, said the actions of the protesting operators
undermine the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), a programme designed to improve
transportation services along the busy axis.
“Such disruptions go against the agreements we made with the
unions.
“The government has worked closely with all stakeholders to
provide safe and efficient transportation for Lagos residents. We strongly
encourage all operators to comply with the reform in the interest of commuters
and the state,” Giwa said.
The Bus Reform Initiative, which was first discussed in
2024, is aimed at restructuring public transportation on major routes. The plan
includes deploying high-capacity buses, relocating korope and mini-buses to
inner arterial roads, introducing e-ticketing, regulating bus operations, and
strengthening security along the corridor.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on June 27, 2024, a formal
agreement was endorsed by Giwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of
Transportation, and the state leadership of NURTW and RTEAN. The meeting
outlined the framework for the reform and stressed the importance of
cooperation among all parties.
A follow-up meeting on December 2, 2025, fixed December 8,
2025, as the official commencement date of the reform. The first phase covers
four major routes: Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger, and
Ajah–Iyana Ipaja.
Under the arrangement, one operator provides express
services, while others run regular stopping services along the corridor.
All buses participating in the scheme are painted in the
standard Lagos State blue-and-white colour scheme. They are fitted with QR
codes embedded in PTCS stickers for verification, unique identification
numbers, and Touch and Pay (TAP) stickers. Drivers are also required to display
official Ministry of Transportation badges to promote accountability and boost
commuter confidence.
Giwa reiterated the government’s commitment to formalising
transport operations, improving commuter comfort, enhancing safety, and
maintaining fare stability across the state.
“The success of this initiative depends on the cooperation
of all transport operators.
“The state remains determined to protect commuters’
interests and ensure that Lagos continues to operate as a safe and efficient
transport city,” he said.
The State Government added that it will continue engagement
with stakeholders while strictly enforcing the Bus Reform Initiative, warning
that non-compliance will not be tolerated.
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