Thursday, March 26, 2026 - The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has warned motorists against the illegal use of Bus Rapid Transit lanes, vowing to enforce strict penalties on violators across the state.
The agency, in a statement on Wednesday by its Head of
Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, reiterated that only designated BRT
buses and vehicles operating under LAMATA-regulated franchises were permitted
to ply the dedicated lanes.
He added that the only exceptions were emergency response
vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks, and only when attending to
emergencies.
The agency expressed concern over what it described as the
growing abuse of BRT lanes by unauthorised users, including private motorists,
some military and paramilitary personnel, as well as vehicles belonging to
local governments and Local Council Development Areas.
Ojelabi noted that such violations undermined the
efficiency, safety, and purpose of the BRT system, which was introduced to
provide fast, reliable, and safe mass transit for commuters in Lagos.
According to him, the misuse of the lanes disrupts scheduled
operations, endangers passengers and other road users, contributes to traffic
congestion, and weakens ongoing efforts to improve urban mobility in the state.
LAMATA stressed that the regulations guiding the use of BRT
lanes remain in force and would be strictly enforced, warning that offenders,
regardless of status, would be apprehended and prosecuted in line with Lagos
traffic laws.
He noted that penalties for violations may include fines,
vehicle impoundment, and other legal sanctions.
The agency called on all road users, including security
agencies and government institutions, to comply with the regulations and
support efforts to maintain an efficient and orderly transport system.
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