Lagos govt bans transportation of goods on public buses

The Lagos state government has prohibited the transportation of goods and heavy luggage on regulated public buses across the state, in a move aimed at improving passenger safety and service efficiency.

The directive, announced by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), will take effect from June 1, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Kolawole Ojelabi, the agency’s head of corporate communication, LAMATA said the decision followed increasing complaints from commuters over the growing use of public buses for conveying goods instead of passengers.

According to the authority, the practice has negatively affected comfort, safety and operational efficiency within the state’s transport system.

LAMATA explained that the decision was reached after a strategic meeting with operators and maintenance heads of bus companies, where stakeholders agreed that the transportation of goods on regulated buses needed to be halted and properly reorganised.

The agency warned that enforcement of the directive would be strict, stressing that drivers caught transporting goods after the ban takes effect would face immediate dismissal and blacklisting.

It also stated that terminal officials, ground staff or transport personnel found assisting or permitting the loading of goods onto buses would be sanctioned accordingly.

“Any bus driver found violating the directive by conveying goods during the suspension period will face immediate sack and be blacklisted,” the statement said.

The authority added that there would be zero tolerance for violations, noting that the measure was necessary to restore order and ensure safer, commuter-focused transport operations across Lagos.

LAMATA urged residents, transport operators and members of the public to comply with the directive and make alternative arrangements for the movement of goods and heavy items.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable, safe and efficient transportation services for Lagos commuters.