The Lagos State Government has banned the transportation of goods and heavy luggage on all regulated public transport buses across the state. The directive, announced by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), will take effect from June 1, 2026.
According to LAMATA, the decision follows growing complaints from commuters and operational challenges caused by the increasing use of regulated buses for conveying goods and bulky items. The agency said the practice has compromised passenger comfort, safety, and efficient service delivery across the state’s transport system.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi. He explained that the directive was reached after a strategic meeting between LAMATA and heads of operations and maintenance of bus operating companies. Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously agreed that the practice must be halted and reorganised to create a balanced and sustainable system that protects commuters while supporting transport operators.
“Any bus driver found violating the directive by conveying goods during the suspension period will face immediate sack and be blacklisted,” LAMATA stated. The agency added that terminal officials, ground staff, or LAMATA personnel found assisting or permitting the loading of goods onto regulated buses would be summarily dismissed without exception.
LAMATA stressed that enforcement would be strict and uncompromising. The authority said 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.
The ban applies to all regulated buses, including BRT and other services operating under the state’s transport framework. Commuters have long complained about sharing bus space with bulky goods, which often causes delays, reduces seating, and raises safety concerns during transit.
LAMATA urged residents, transport operators, terminal officials, and members of the public to comply fully with the directive and make alternative arrangements for the movement of goods and heavy items. The agency said it remains committed to building a safer, more reliable, and passenger-friendly transport system in Lagos.
The move is part of broader efforts by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to improve public transportation in the state. Officials say the ban will help bus operators focus on passenger service, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, and improve adherence to schedules.
Transport operators welcomed the decision but called for clearer alternatives for traders and small business owners who rely on buses to move goods across the city. LAMATA said discussions are ongoing on how to reorganise goods transportation to avoid disrupting commerce while keeping passenger buses focused on commuters.
With the June 1 deadline approaching, LAMATA warned that it would begin monitoring compliance across terminals and bus routes to ensure the new rule is strictly enforced….See More
