The Lagos State Government has announced a ban on the movement of goods and heavy luggage on all regulated public transport buses across the state, with the new directive set to take effect from June 1, 2026.
The policy, introduced through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), is aimed at improving passenger comfort, ensuring safety, and enhancing the efficiency of public transportation operations within the state.
According to the agency, the decision followed growing complaints from commuters over the increasing use of public buses for transporting bulky goods, a development authorities say has disrupted normal passenger movement and reduced the quality of transport services.
In a statement released by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, the government explained that the directive was reached after consultations with transport operators and maintenance stakeholders across the regulated bus system.
The statement noted that public buses are primarily meant for passenger transportation and not for commercial movement of heavy goods or oversized luggage.
Authorities warned that strict enforcement measures would begin immediately after the June 1 deadline. Bus drivers found transporting goods or heavy luggage risk dismissal and possible blacklisting from the regulated transport scheme.
The government also stated that terminal officers, ticketing officials, and other transport personnel who assist passengers in loading prohibited items onto buses may face disciplinary actions, including suspension or dismissal.
LAMATA urged residents and business owners to seek alternative means for transporting goods, stressing that the move is necessary to restore order and improve the commuting experience for millions of Lagos residents who depend on public buses daily.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to building a safer, cleaner, and more efficient transport system as part of broader efforts to modernize public transportation infrastructure in the state.
