Lagos State Government has announced a phased plan to remove korope buses from major highways as part of a wider effort to modernise public transportation and improve safety across the state. The update was shared during a stakeholder meeting held ahead of the launch of the Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme, which will officially begin operations on December 8, 2025. Officials from the Ministry of Transportation, LAMATA, and informal transport operators met to finalize preparations for the first rollout. The new scheme will introduce fully regulated bus services along major corridors such as Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger, and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja, with future extensions planned for Epe. According to LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, Special Adviser on Transportation Sola Giwa explained that the long-term goal is to remove unsafe, unregulated vehicles from the busiest routes and replace them with a coordinated, modernised system designed to enhance comfort and safety for commuters. Giwa noted that the state intends to move korope buses off major highways and redirect them to feeder and community routes under the First and Last Mile scheme. He stressed that many poorly maintained buses will be systematically cleared from the road network as improvements roll out across other corridors. Under the new structure, existing regulated operators will continue stage-carriage services, while a cooperative under the NURTW, known as Oneness, has been approved to operate express services between Ajah, Oshodi, and Berger. Buses under the reform will carry Lagos State’s blue-and-white official colours, QR codes for verification, unique identification numbers, and TAP (Touch and Pay) stickers. Drivers will wear Ministry of Transportation badges to enhance accountability. A fleet of 229 medium- and high-capacity buses will operate in the first phase, with all fare payments restricted to the Cowry card system. Giwa warned that any operator or passenger engaging in cash transactions along the corridor will face arrest and prosecution.
