Lagos Approves 13% Fare Increase for BRT, Bus Reform Services

 The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 percent fare adjustment for operations under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and standard route services.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the government announced that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted the approval following appeals from regulated public transport operators, who cited rising operational costs and growing concerns over the sustainability of transit services amid prevailing economic realities.

The new fare structure is scheduled to take effect from March 2, 2026.

According to the statement, the adjustment aligns with the state’s approved annual fare review mechanism and is intended to cushion the impact of sustained economic pressures on public transport operations. The government noted that the review became necessary due to persistent inflationary trends, with Nigeria’s inflation rate closing 2025 at 15.2 percent, according to National Bureau of Statistics data.

Bus Operating Companies (BOCs) have continued to face increased expenditures, including vehicle maintenance, spare parts procurement, and workers’ salaries, particularly following the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

The government further disclosed that operators are investing in newer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses as part of efforts to improve service delivery, enhance passenger comfort, and promote environmental sustainability.

Authorities reassured commuters of the state’s commitment to balancing affordability with the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation across Lagos.