The Lagos State Government, through the Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, has announced a ban on the movement of goods on regulated public transport buses across Lagos State, with enforcement set to begin on June 1, 2026.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, the authority said the decision followed complaints from commuters and operational difficulties caused by the growing use of public buses for carrying goods and heavy loads.
LAMATA said the practice had affected passenger comfort, safety and service operations on regulated transport routes across the state.
The agency disclosed that the decision was reached after a meeting with heads of operations and maintenance of bus operating companies, where participants agreed that the movement of goods on passenger buses should stop and be reorganised.
The statement warned that enforcement would be strict, stressing that any driver caught conveying goods during the suspension period would face immediate dismissal and blacklisting.
It also stated 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.”
The authority added that there would be “zero tolerance for non-compliance” as the state government moves to restore order and safety within the public transport system.
LAMATA urged commuters, transport operators, terminal officials and residents to comply with the directive and seek other means for transporting goods.
The agency reaffirmed its resolve to maintain a safe and reliable transport network for residents of Lagos State.