Lagos: Governor Sanwo-Olu Approves 13% Fare Increase on BRT, Standard Routes
- Lagos State Government approves 13% fare increase for Bus Reform Initiative, effective March 2, 2026
- Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasizes balancing affordability and efficient public transportation amidst economic challenges
- Inflation pressures prompt fare review, aiding Bus Operating Companies in maintaining service standards and operational costs
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Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Lagos State - The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has approved a 13 percent increase in fares across all Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) schemes, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard routes.
The new fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the approval the increase a passionate appeal from regulated public transport operators.
Sanwo-Olu reassured commuters of the state commitment to balancing affordability with the need to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation across the state.
LAMATA Head Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, said the review is also in line with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism.
Ojelabi made this known in a statement issued via the agency’s X handle @Lamataonline, on Monday, February 23, 2026.
He explained that the review underscored by the persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria's inflation rate closing 2025 at 15.2 percent.
“According to the state government, the adjustment is aimed at cushioning the impact of sustained economic challenges affecting public transport operations. The review is also in line with the previously approved annual fare review mechanism.”
The statement added:
“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.”
Lagosians react as Sanwo-olu increases BRT fare
@BenedictAdeyem3
I don't think increasing the fare is the solution, you guys should adopt world Best practices in mass transit management, maintenance and route optimization. You don't maintain your buses at all. Also renewable energy like CNG and electric buses is the future. The stress is much.
@olatunji_Godson
You guys should first work on having your buses effective! Look at this long queue that has been for hours yet so many buses not loading! Is there no regulation to how the buses operate within the terminals?
@dontonyp
And the increase would affect those who are always standing
Lagos announces date to raise BRT fares
Recall that the Lagos state government revealed that BRT fares will attract 18% increase beginning from February 17, 2025.
The Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) made this known and asked commuters to bear with the government.
LAMATA said the fare increase came because of rising operations costs and the increase in diesel prices.
Lady mistakenly tops up N300k on BRT cowry app
Legit.ng also reported that a Nigerian lady wanted to top up the credit on her BRT Cowry app so that she would be taking BRT buses in Lagos
Unfortunately for her, she mistakenly paid N300,000 instead of the amount she intended to top up.
She has shared a video on TikTok to seek help on how to manage the situation or how to recover the money.
Source: Legit.ng
