Lagos Threatens Tougher Action After Korope Blockade Paralyses Lekki-Epe

The Lagos State Government has criticised operators of the mini-buses popularly called Korope for obstructing movement along the CMS–Lekki–Epe Expressway on February 17 and 18.

The state’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed the government’s displeasure in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to him, the traffic disruption violated prior understandings reached between the government and transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, following a series of engagements.

Giwa added that consultations surrounding the rollout of the Bus Reform Initiative on the Lekki–Epe corridor had commenced as far back as 2024.

“At a stakeholders’ meeting on June 27, 2024, a communiqué was endorsed by myself, the Permanent Secretary, and the state chairmen of NURTW and RTEAN,” he said.

He said resolutions included restructuring bus operations and deploying high-capacity buses under the Lagos Transport Policy and Bus Route Network.

“Other measures were reassigning Korope to inner routes, introducing e-ticketing, standardising operations and enhancing safety and security along the corridor,” he added.

Giwa said stakeholders reaffirmed commitment to collaborative implementation to improve transport services across the state.

He said a subsequent meeting on Dec. 2, 2025, agreed the new bus scheme would begin on Dec. 8, 2025.

Providing further details on the reform plan, Sola Giwa explained that the initial phase, which will ultimately extend to Epe, will operate across key routes including Ajah–CMS/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja.

He noted that discussions with stakeholders established a structured operational model in which a single operator would manage express services, while other operators would handle stop-and-pick passenger services along the corridor.

According to him, the government’s move to formalise transit operations is aimed at enhancing commuter comfort, improving safety and security, and ensuring greater stability in transport fares.

Giwa added that buses participating in the scheme would adopt the state’s blue-and-white colour identity and carry QR-coded PTCS as well as Touch and Pay stickers to support monitoring and seamless payment.

He further stated that drivers would be required to wear official identification badges issued by the Ministry to strengthen accountability and boost public trust in the system.

The transport adviser urged operators to adhere to the agreed reforms, reiterating the government’s resolve to deliver a safer, more organised and efficient public transportation network.