Lagos Bans Movement of Goods on Public Buses

The Lagos State government has banned the movement of goods on all regulated public transport buses across the state, effective June 1, 2026.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority announced the ban on Tuesday following growing complaints from commuters about the increasing use of buses to transport goods and heavy loads, which has compromised passenger comfort, safety and efficient service delivery.

LAMATA, in a statement signed by Head of Corporate Communication Kolawole Ojelabi, said the decision was reached after a strategic meeting with the heads of operations and maintenance of bus-operating companies, at which it was unanimously agreed that the practice must be halted.

It warned that enforcement would be strict, with any bus driver found to have violated the directive facing immediate dismissal and blacklisting.

“Any bus driver found violating the directive by conveying goods during the suspension period will face immediate sack and be blacklisted,” it said.

LAMATA added that “any ground staff or LAMATA personnel at terminals or loading points found aiding, permitting, or facilitating the loading of goods onto regulated buses will be summarily dismissed without exception.”

“There will be zero tolerance for non-compliance, as the government remains committed to restoring order, safety, and efficiency within the public transport system,” the authority said.

LAMATA called on commuters, transport operators, and the public to make alternative arrangements for the movement of goods, reiterating its commitment to a safe, commuter-focused transportation system.

LAMATA CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL GOODS MOVEMENT ON PUBLIC BUSES; STRICT SANCTIONS BEGIN JUNE 1#LAMATA #keepinLagosmoving #lasg pic.twitter.com/37X5x9iL8b

— Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA (@Lamataonline) May 19, 2026