By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Lagos State Government has defended its regulation of bus operations along the Lekki–Epe Expressway following protests by drivers of the small yellow minibuses popularly known as Korope.
The government’s reaction came on Tuesday, 17 February, 2026 after videos of protesting drivers, which have trended on social media for days, showed aggrieved operators demonstrating against the restriction of Korope buses along the corridor.
The protests, authorities said, temporarily disrupted vehicular movement, particularly around the Ajah axis of the expressway.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transport, Sola Giwa, said the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation was aware of the protest by Korope operators, noting that the demonstration briefly obstructed traffic along the strategic route.
Giwa explained that the Lekki–Epe corridor had formally transitioned into a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor under the Bus Reform Initiative framework of the Lagos State Government.
He stressed that the policy shift was neither arbitrary nor sudden, but a deliberate step rooted in planning and empirical considerations.
According to him, “The transition was deliberate, data-driven, and in alignment with the state’s long-term vision for a safer, more efficient, and economically viable transport ecosystem.”
He further clarified that the restriction placed on unregulated Korope operations on the expressway was not targeted at any group, adding that stakeholder engagement preceded the enforcement of the regulation.
“Multiple consultations were held with transport unions, corridor operators, and relevant associations. Sensitisation exercises, public advisories, and structured notifications were issued well ahead of enforcement to ensure clarity and compliance,” Giwa said.
He, however, expressed concern over the conduct of some operators, describing the protest-induced obstruction of the expressway as counterproductive and a threat to public order.
“It is therefore unfortunate that, despite being fully aware of the policy direction and the regulatory position of the 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 stated.
Highlighting the significance of the Lekki–Epe Expressway, Giwa described the route as a vital economic artery connecting key residential, commercial, industrial, and maritime assets, including the Free Trade Zone.
“The Lekki–Epe Expressway is a strategic economic artery linking residential, commercial, industrial, and maritime assets, including the Free Trade Zone. Allowing unregulated operations that compromise traffic flow, safety standards, and structured mass transit reforms would reverse the gains already recorded on the corridor,” he added.
Giwa commended the Lagos State Police Command for what he termed its “swift intervention in restoring normalcy,” noting that security agencies played a crucial role in easing tensions and reopening the road for commuters.
He reiterated that reforms under the Bus Reform Initiative were designed to enhance safety, predictability, and dignity within the state’s transport ecosystem, while emphasising the government’s openness to lawful engagement.
“Lawful engagement remains welcome. However, disruption of public infrastructure will not be tolerated,” Giwa stated.
