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Ban Of Unregulated Minibuses : LASG Condemns Protest By Korope Drivers On Lekki-Epe Expressway

Published

7 months ago

February 18, 2026

The Lagos State Government has condemned the blockade of the Lekki-Epe Expressway on February 17th and 18th 2026 by some mini-bus operators, popularly known as Korope, following the start of restrictions of the unregulated minibuses along the corridor.

In a press release, Sola Giwa, the
Special Adviser on Transportation to the Governor of Lagos, explained that Lekki-Epe Expressway has formally transitioned into a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) framework of the Lagos State Government.

“This transition is deliberate, data-driven, and in alignment with the State’s long-term vision for a safer, more efficient, and economically viable transport ecosystem,” he said.

The Special Adviser on Transportation added that the restriction of unregulated Korope operations on that expressway was preceded by agreements jointly reached between the Government and the two transport unions and corridor operators.

“Multiple consultations were held with transport unions, corridor operators, and relevant associations. Sensitisation exercises, public advisories, and structured notifications were issued well ahead of enforcement to ensure clarity and compliance.”

“It is therefore unfortunate that despite being fully aware of the policy direction and the regulatory position of government, certain operators chose to disrupt public order by blocking a critical expressway that serves thousands of commuters daily. Such actions undermine public safety, economic productivity, and the collective progress of the corridor.”

“The Lekki–Epe Expressway is a strategic economic artery linking residential, commercial, industrial, and maritime assets including the Free Trade Zone. Allowing unregulated operations that compromise traffic flow, safety standards, and structured mass transit reforms would reverse the gains already recorded on the corridor.”

The Special Adviser on Transportation commended the Nigeria Police Force for intervening swiftly to restore order, saying that : “We commend the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, for their swift intervention in restoring normalcy.”