Chukwu Obinna 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government reaffirms its restriction on minibuses, known locally as Korope, along the Lekki–Epe corridor, describing the policy as a non-negotiable pillar of its Bus Reform Initiative.
In a statement issued on Monday after a stakeholders’ meeting, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation says only medium- and high-capacity buses are permitted to operate on the busy route.
Under the reform framework, minibuses are restricted to inner roads, a policy that has sparked protests and heated debate among operators in recent weeks.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, says the reform reduces congestion and improves efficiency.
“Instead of ten small buses operating independently, one high-capacity bus can move the same number of passengers,” Giwa says. “That means fewer vehicles, less congestion, lower pollution and improved productivity.”
He adds that transport operations on the corridor were previously unregulated, making government intervention unavoidable to ensure accountability and passenger safety.
According to the ministry, transport unions and corridor operators were consulted before enforcement and encouraged to formalise their businesses.
“To date, ten transport groups have successfully registered and are participating in the pilot phase,” the statement says.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Otamere Gladness 