The Lagos State Government has designated the Lekki–Epe Expressway as a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor, marking a significant milestone in the state’s Bus Reform Initiative (BRI).
The transition, which seeks to establish a safer and more efficient commuting environment, has led to the restriction of unregulated “Korope” (mini-bus) operations along the busy axis.
Responding to recent protests by drivers affected by the move, the state government clarified that the policy is a “deliberate and data-driven” step toward modernising the city’s transport ecosystem.
The government dismissed claims that the enforcement was sudden or arbitrary.
According to official statements, the restriction followed a comprehensive period of stakeholder engagement.
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They include direct talks with transport unions and corridor operators, wide-reaching sensitisation exercises, and formal notifications issued before the crackdown, ensuring all parties were aware of the shift toward a regulated framework.
The government emphasised that the BRI is central to its vision for a “Greater Lagos.”
By prioritising structured mass transit over unregulated schemes, the state aims to reduce the risks associated with uncoordinated transport, creating a reliable system that supports the state’s growing population and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward disruptions of the peace or unauthorised road usage.
Authorities have urged all displaced or independent operators to move away from unregulated practices and instead embrace structured participation within the formal transport system.
By aligning with the new regulatory framework, the government suggests that operators can contribute to a more orderly and sustainable transit future.
