Lagos State Government has reiterated that the ban on mini buses, popularly known as korope, along the busy Lekki–Epe Corridor remains firmly in place, describing the move as a cornerstone of the state’s ongoing bus sector reforms.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Transportation’s Director of Public Affairs, Bolanle Ogunlola, the government stressed that only medium- and high-capacity buses are permitted to operate on the corridor under the Bus Reform Initiative. The policy, she said, aims to create a structured, efficient, and sustainable mass transit system in line with the Lagos Strategic Transportation Master Plan.
The clarification follows renewed protests by some mini-bus operators affected by the restrictions, prompting widespread public debate. According to Ogunlola, the reform confines smaller buses to inner routes, reserving major arteries such as Lekki–Epe for larger vehicles capable of transporting more passengers.
“The initiative is rooted in data-driven planning and is essential to improving safety, easing traffic congestion, and enhancing overall transport efficiency,” Ogunlola noted. She further confirmed that ten transport groups have successfully completed registration and are participating in the pilot phase of the reform, urging remaining operators to formalise their operations.
Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, explained that replacing numerous smaller buses with fewer high-capacity vehicles would reduce traffic pressure, cut pollution, and increase economic productivity. “A single large bus can move the same number of passengers as several mini buses combined. This reform is not just about vehicles; it is about creating a safer and more reliable transport ecosystem for commuters and residents alike,” Giwa said.
He added that transport activities along the corridor had previously been largely unregulated, making government intervention necessary to enforce accountability and protect commuters. Giwa emphasised that unions and operators were consulted prior to enforcement and encouraged to participate in the structured registration process.
The Lagos State Government reiterated that the restriction on unregulated mini buses along the Lekki–Epe Expressway is a permanent, policy-driven measure and warned that any attempt to disrupt traffic would be decisively addressed. Residents, traders, and commuters along the corridor were urged to support the initiative, which officials say is vital for a modern, orderly, and safe transportation system.
