By Ejiofor Toochi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), with the new rates set to take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted the approval following an appeal from regulated public transport operators who raised concerns about the sustainability of operations amid mounting economic pressures.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Kolawole Ojelabi, the Head of Corporate Communication of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
According to the statement, the fare adjustment is intended to mitigate the impact of sustained economic challenges on public transport operations. It added that the review is in line with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism.
“The urgency of the review, officials noted, is underscored by persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria’s inflation rate closing 2025 at 15.2 percent, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
“Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have continued to grapple with rising operational costs, including increased expenses for vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage structure.
“In a bid to maintain and improve service standards, operators are also investing in the procurement of new, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability. The government reassured commuters of its commitment to balancing affordability with the need to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation across the state,” the statement read.
The fare increase affects all services operating under the Bus Reform Initiative framework, including BRT and standard routes in Lagos. The new fare structure has also been updated for the public.
