Lagos State Govt confirms October 1 ban on Danfo, koropes commercial busses
The Lagos State Government has confirmed its commitment to banning unregulated commercial bus operations, including “Danfos” and “Koropes,” along the Lekki-Epe corridor starting October 1, 2024. Despite rumors of a suspension, officials have clarified that the enforcement will proceed as planned.
State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, emphasised that this initiative aligns with the Lagos State Strategic Transportation Master Plan. They urged public transport operators to collaborate with the government to enhance the commuting experience.
Giwa highlighted that a stakeholders meeting with bus operators and union leaders had already taken place, stressing the need for compliance before the deadline. He described the current state of bus operations on the corridor as chaotic, necessitating regulation and integration into the State’s Bus Reform Initiative.
The Ministry of Transportation and Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) have inspected the Lekki-Epe Corridor to identify traffic flow limitations and have developed a framework to address these challenges. Planned solutions include: Restructuring existing unregulated bus operations, Deploying high-capacity buses, Re-allocating and relocating mini buses to inner routes, Re-registering and recertifying all buses, Introducing an e-ticketing system, Providing transport infrastructure like laybys and terminals, Regulating and standardizing bus operations, Improving transportation services for safety and passenger comfort, Enhancing security along the corridor.
Giwa noted that the restructuring plan will be implemented in phases, urging transport operators to register with the Ministry of Transportation within two weeks. Registered operators will be allotted specific routes to ensure compliance. Operators who violate regulations will face fines and vehicle forfeiture.
The State Government, emphasising adherence to the Transport Sector Reform Law, expects union members to help identify unregistered operators. This initiative will serve as a pilot test for the standardization of Lagos’ transportation system.
Other stakeholders, including NURTW Acting Chairman Alhaji Mustapha and RTEAN Deputy Chairman Alhaji Taofeek Ajayi, expressed their support for the restructuring initiative by signing a communique at the end of the meeting.
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