The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating mini and midi commercial buses, popularly known as Korope and Danfo, operating along the Lekki-Ajah corridor, into its Bus Reform Initiative.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, made this known during a stakeholder meeting held on Wednesday in Alausa. He noted that the project is currently in the planning stage and will commence once all necessary arrangements are finalized.
Providing updates on the initiative, Hon. Giwa disclosed that the documentation process for bus operators interested in the program is ongoing. So far, 10 operators have submitted letters of intent to the Ministry of Transportation, with six already confirmed.
To ensure compliance, participating buses will undergo physical verification by the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) to determine their roadworthiness and proper documentation. Verified buses will be branded in Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) colors and equipped with e-ticketing validators.
Hon. Giwa further explained that plans are underway to integrate union dues deductions into the e-ticketing system and address the menace of hoodlums extorting transport operators along the axis. He stated that the program will be test-run for three months before full implementation.
As part of the reform, mini buses (Korope) will no longer be permitted to operate along the Lekki-Ajah expressway. Instead, they will be deployed to serve inner routes and communities.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of MVAA, Mr. Rasheed Muri-Okunola; the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki; representatives from LAMATA, LASDRI, VIS; and Directors from the Ministry of Transportation.
This initiative aligns with the state’s vision of creating a modern, efficient, and safe transportation system for residents.
