The Lagos State Government has condemned mini-bus operators, commonly known as Korope, for obstructing traffic on the CMS–Lekki–Epe Expressway on February 17 and 18.
The state’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, issued the statement on Wednesday, noting that the disruption violated agreements reached with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) after extensive consultations.
Discussions on implementing the Bus Reform Initiative along the Lekki–Epe corridor began in 2024. At a stakeholders’ meeting on June 27, 2024, resolutions were endorsed to restructure bus operations, deploy high-capacity buses, reassign Korope to inner routes, introduce e-ticketing, standardise operations, and enhance safety along the corridor.
A follow-up meeting on December 2, 2025, confirmed that the new bus scheme would commence on December 8, 2025, initially covering the Ajah–CMS/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger, and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja routes, with the first phase eventually extending to Epe. Under the plan, one operator will run express services while others provide stopping services.
Giwa emphasised that the reforms aim to improve commuter comfort, safety, security, and fare stability. Participating buses are required to adopt the Lagos blue-and-white colour scheme, display QR-coded PTCS and Touch and Pay stickers, and have drivers wear official Ministry badges to ensure accountability.
He urged all operators to comply with the agreed reforms, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe, orderly, and efficient transport system.