Lagos Approves 13% BRT Fare Increase Effective March 2, 2026 Amid Rising Transport Costs!
Reported by sadauna Lydia edeh (Journalist)| Sele Media Africa.
LAGOS, Nigeria The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 percent increase in fares for the state’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services, citing mounting operational and maintenance costs across the public transportation network.
The adjustment, which takes effect from March 2, 2026, applies to all routes operated under the BRT scheme managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). Authorities say the decision followed a comprehensive cost review amid persistent inflationary pressures, rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, and foreign exchange volatility impacting spare parts procurement.
Government’s Position
In a statement announcing the fare revision, transport officials emphasized that the increase was necessary to sustain service reliability, fleet maintenance, and safety standards across Africa’s largest metropolitan transport corridor.
According to LAMATA, the fare adjustment aims to strike a balance between affordability for commuters and the financial sustainability of the BRT system, which moves hundreds of thousands of passengers daily across Lagos.
Officials added that despite the increment, the Lagos BRT system remains one of the most subsidized urban mass transit networks in Nigeria, with government support cushioning the full cost burden that would otherwise be transferred to passengers.
Economic Context
Nigeria continues to grapple with elevated inflation and macroeconomic reforms that have reshaped the cost structure of transportation nationwide. The removal of fuel subsidies and currency fluctuations over the past two years have significantly increased operating costs for both public and private transport providers.
Transport operators across major cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt have implemented staggered fare adjustments since 2024 to cope with rising diesel and petrol prices.
Analysts note that Lagos, home to more than 20 million residents, faces unique urban mobility pressures. The BRT network remains a critical artery for workers, students, and small scale traders navigating the city’s densely populated corridors.
Commuter Reactions
Early reactions from commuters have been mixed. While some residents expressed concern about the cumulative impact of rising living costs, others acknowledged that fare reviews may be inevitable if service standards are to be maintained.
Transport advocacy groups have urged the state government to ensure transparency in cost calculations and reinvest incremental revenue into fleet expansion, digital ticketing improvements, and passenger comfort upgrades.
Broader Urban Transport Strategy
The fare review comes as Lagos intensifies efforts to modernize its transportation infrastructure through multimodal integration, including rail expansion projects such as the Lagos Blue Line and the Lagos Red Line.
Urban planning experts argue that sustained investment in mass transit is essential to reducing congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting economic productivity in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
National and International Coverage
Major Nigerian and international media outlets, including Punch Newspapers, The Guardian Nigeria, Premium Times, and the BBC, have reported on transportation fare adjustments and related economic pressures affecting urban mobility in Lagos and other Nigerian cities.
As Africa’s fastest growing megacity continues to adapt to economic headwinds, policymakers face the delicate task of balancing fiscal sustainability with social equity in public service delivery.
Sources: Punch Newspapers; The Guardian Nigeria; Premium Times; BBC News
Sadauna Lydia Edeh is a student of Plant Science and Biotechnology at Kogi State University with a deep passion for research, critical thinking, and applying knowledge to real-world challenges. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to personal and professional growth, she excels at breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable insights.
With strong expertise in research, analytical thinking, and effective written communication, Sadauna Lydia Edeh is skilled at organizing information, explaining concepts with clarity, and delivering precise, well-structured work. She thrives in both independent and collaborative environments, demonstrating adaptability, responsibility, and excellent time-management skills.
Motivated, open to learning, and committed to excellence, she values consistency, clarity, and meaningful engagement. Through her contributions, Sadauna Lydia Edeh aims to inform, inspire, and positively impact readers across Africa and beyond.
About The Author
Share this:
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
