The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced the suspension of the movement of goods on all regulated public buses across Lagos State, with enforcement scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Kolawole Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA.
According to the agency, the decision is aimed at restoring order, improving passenger comfort, and enhancing operational efficiency within the state’s regulated public transport system.
LAMATA explained that the move followed growing complaints from commuters over the increasing use of buses for transporting goods alongside passengers.
It noted that such practices had begun to compromise safety, comfort, and service efficiency across major transport corridors.
“The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced an immediate suspension of the movement of goods on all regulated public transport buses across Lagos State, effective 1 June 2026,” the statement said.
“The decision follows growing complaints and operational challenges faced by commuters as a result of the increasing use of regulated buses for the transportation of goods and heavy loads, thereby compromising passenger comfort, safety, and efficient service delivery.”
The agency warned that any driver found violating the directive would face summary dismissal and blacklisting.
It added that terminal officials or staff who assist in the transportation of goods on regulated buses would also be dismissed immediately.
LAMATA said the decision was reached after consultations with heads of operations and maintenance of bus operating companies operating within the state.
The authority stressed that the policy was not only about enforcement but also about creating a more organised and sustainable transport system.
In Lagos, regulated public buses under LAMATA supervision include the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and franchise bus services operating across key routes.
Due to affordability and accessibility, many commuters and small-scale traders have traditionally used these buses to transport goods such as market items, electronics, food products, and luggage alongside passengers.
However, the agency said this practice has increasingly strained operations and reduced passenger comfort, prompting the need for stricter regulation.
LAMATA reiterated that enforcement would be strict and uncompromising once the policy takes effect, warning of zero tolerance for violations by operators and commuters.
The agency also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising Lagos’ transport system, including a shift toward a multimodal network combining rail, Bus Rapid Transit, and ferry services under its updated mobility master plan.
It added that the state plans to transition to cleaner energy bus fleets and improve last-mile connectivity as part of its long-term transport strategy.
The revised framework positions mass transit as the backbone of future urban mobility in Lagos State, with a focus on efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.
