Lagos State Approves 13% BRT Fare Increase Effective March 2

The Lagos State government has approved a 13% increase in fares for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which will take effect on March 2. Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi, the head of corporate communications at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), disclosed this decision in a statement issued on Monday.

The fare adjustment was approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in response to ongoing economic pressures that threaten the sustainability of transport operations. The adjustment aims to cushion the impact of economic challenges affecting public transport operations, particularly in light of Nigeria's inflation rate, which is projected to reach 15.2% by 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

BRT operators are currently facing rising maintenance costs, expenses for spare parts, and higher wage bills following the implementation of the new national minimum wage. The government remains committed to balancing affordability with safe, reliable, and efficient public transport across the state.