The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 per cent increase in fares across Bus Reform Initiative schemes, covering Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard bus routes.
The Head of Corporate Communication of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
Ojelabi said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the adjustment following appeals from regulated operators who complained of mounting economic pressures threatening the sustainability of their operations.
He stated that the new fare structure would take effect from Monday, March 2.
According to him, the Lagos bus fare increase is aimed at cushioning the impact of persistent economic challenges affecting public transport services in the state.
He added that the review was also in line with the previously approved annual fare adjustment mechanism.
Ojelabi cited sustained inflationary trends, noting that Nigeria’s inflation rate closed 2025 at 15.2 per cent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
He explained that bus operating companies are facing rising costs of maintenance, expensive spare parts and higher wage bills following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
“In a bid to maintain and improve service standards, operators are investing in cleaner and more fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and promote environmental sustainability,” he said.
He further stated that despite the Lagos bus fare increase, the state government remains committed to balancing affordability with the provision of safe, reliable and efficient public transport services.
The government also assured residents that efforts would continue to ensure improved transport operations across all regulated bus routes in the state, even as the Lagos bus fare increase takes effect from March 2.