- Lagos State Declares Permanent Ban on Unregulated ‘Korope’ Minibuses Along Lekki-Epe Expressway
- Giwa emphasised that the restriction is “deliberate, data-driven, and in alignment with the State’s long-term vision for a safer, more efficient, and economically viable transport ecosystem.
- Says the Lekki–Epe Expressway is a strategic economic artery linking residential, commercial, industrial, and maritime assets, including the Free Trade Zone
The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the restriction of unregulated minibuses, popularly known as Korope, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway is a permanent, data-driven policy, following a protest by drivers that disrupted traffic along the corridor, Eko Hot Blog reports.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, signed by the Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sola Giwa, the government condemned the blockade at the Ajah axis, describing the action as “economic sabotage” and a threat to public safety.
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“The Lekki–Epe corridor has formally transitioned into a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) framework of the Lagos State Government,” the statement read.
Giwa emphasised that the restriction is “deliberate, data-driven, and in alignment with the State’s long-term vision for a safer, more efficient, and economically viable transport ecosystem.” He noted that the enforcement is neither sudden nor arbitrary, highlighting that consultations with transport unions, corridor operators, and relevant associations took place well ahead of implementation.
The protest, which saw several minibus operators block the expressway, left thousands of commuters stranded. Giwa said, “It is unfortunate that despite being fully aware of the policy direction and regulatory position of government, certain operators chose to disrupt public order by blocking a critical expressway that serves thousands of commuters daily. Such actions undermine public safety, economic productivity, and the collective progress of the corridor.”
He added that the Lekki–Epe Expressway is a strategic economic artery linking residential, commercial, industrial, and maritime assets, including the Free Trade Zone, and warned that allowing unregulated operations would reverse the gains already recorded on the corridor.
The government has engaged directly with the Commissioner of Police and Area Commanders to ensure “heightened enforcement, proactive patrol, and sustained vigilance” to prevent further disruption.
Operators were urged to comply with the regulatory framework and participate within the formal transport system. The statement concluded, “Reforms under the Bus Reform Initiative are designed to improve safety, predictability, and dignity within the transport ecosystem. Lawful engagement remains welcome. However, disruption of public infrastructure will not be tolerated.”
