Commuters in Lagos will begin paying higher fares on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other regulated bus services from Monday, March 2, 2026, following the approval of a 13 per cent upward review by the Lagos State Government.
The fare adjustment covers all operations under the state’s Bus Reform Initiative and comes amid sustained economic headwinds that transport operators say have pushed operating costs to unsustainable levels.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the nod after engagements with regulated public transport companies, which warned that spiralling expenses were eroding margins and threatening service delivery.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Head of Corporate Communication at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Kolawole Ojelabi, said the review was in line with the state’s annual fare adjustment framework.
He explained that persistent inflationary pressures had significantly increased the cost of operations, necessitating what he described as a measured response to protect the system from deterioration.
Official data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the statement added, show that Nigeria’s headline inflation stood at 15.15 per cent in December 2025 and moderated marginally to about 15.1 per cent in January 2026.
The figures, according to authorities, have continued to squeeze transport businesses.
The statement stated further that operators have reported steep increases in vehicle maintenance costs, the price of imported spare parts and wage obligations, especially after the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
Beyond routine expenses, companies are also investing in fleet renewal, acquiring modern, fuel-efficient buses to enhance passenger comfort and support environmental targets.
While acknowledging the burden the increase may place on commuters, the state government said the decision was taken after weighing affordability concerns against the need to maintain reliable, safe and sustainable public transport services across Lagos.