Lagos Government Defends Korope Ban on Lekki–Epe Expressway

The Lagos State Government has formally addressed the controversy surrounding the restriction of minibuses, popularly known as "Korope," from the Lekki–Epe Expressway. Government officials, however, maintain that the restriction is a necessary step in the state’s "Strategic Transport Master Plan" to decongest the axis and modernize public transit.

According to the Ministry of Transportation, the decision to limit the operations of these smaller buses is aimed at replacing them with high-capacity buses that can move more people efficiently while reducing the number of vehicles on the road. Authorities argued that the current influx of minibuses contributes significantly to the traffic gridlock and the "rowdy" nature of the Lekki-Epe corridor. They emphasized that the goal is not to punish drivers but to transition the city toward a world-class transportation system that prioritizes safety and orderliness.

Protesting drivers, on the other hand, have voiced deep concerns over the lack of viable alternatives provided by the state. Many argue that they were not given sufficient notice or a clear transition plan to integrate into the new high-capacity bus scheme. They expressed fears that thousands of families would be plunged into poverty if their only source of income is taken away without a social safety net. Commuters have also raised alarms, noting that high-capacity buses often do not reach the inner streets and junctions where the smaller Korope buses have traditionally been most effective.

The Lagos State Government has countered these claims by stating that it is working with various transport unions to ensure a smooth transition. They pointed out that the new system would eventually create more organized jobs and provide a more dignified experience for both drivers and passengers. Despite these assurances, the tension remains high as the enforcement of the restriction begins to take full effect, with security agencies deployed to ensure compliance along the busy expressway.

Is the Lagos government right to prioritize "modernization" over the existing livelihoods of minibus drivers, or should there have been a more gradual approach? Share your comments below!

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