Korope Drivers Shut Down Lekki–Epe Expressway Over Lagos Ban (Video)

Korope Drivers Shut Down Lekki–Epe Expressway Over Lagos Ban (Video)

LAGOS, Nigeria — Tension erupted on Tuesday along the Lekki–Epe Expressway as commercial mini-bus operators, popularly called korope drivers, staged a protest against a state-imposed ban on their operations along the corridor. The demonstration, which occurred during peak hours around the Ajah axis, caused vehicular movement to nearly grind to a halt, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded and triggering heavy traffic gridlock across adjoining routes. Eyewitnesses reported that drivers parked their buses across the carriageway, chanting and demanding the immediate reversal of the restriction.

Security operatives were deployed to restore order, and traffic flow gradually resumed after several hours of disruption.

Some of the protesting drivers said the ban threatens their primary source of income, as the Lekki–Epe corridor has historically been one of the most profitable routes for informal transport operators. “We have families to feed. You cannot just wake up and push us off the road without providing an alternative,” one driver told reporters. The operators called on the government to reconsider the policy or integrate them into the new transport structure rather than exclude them entirely.

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The Lagos State Government, however, defended the restriction, describing the protest as unlawful and disruptive to public order. Authorities explained that the Lekki–Epe Expressway has been designated as a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor under the state’s Bus Reform Initiative, aimed at modernizing public transport, improving safety, and reducing traffic chaos caused by unregulated operations.

According to Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, consultations were held with transport stakeholders before enforcement, and the transition was not sudden. Small vehicles such as korope buses are now expected to operate on feeder and community routes under the state’s First and Last Mile transport strategy, while high- and medium-capacity buses serve the main corridor.

The ongoing transport reform seeks to replace informal minibuses on major highways with structured, regulated services featuring larger buses and digital ticketing systems. Government officials argue that this will enhance commuter safety, improve traffic flow, and boost economic productivity along one of Lagos’ fastest-growing corridors.

Critics, however, note that informal transport remains a backbone of daily commuting for thousands of residents. Abrupt enforcement without adequate absorption of displaced drivers could exacerbate economic hardship for affected operators.

Many commuters expressed frustration over the disruption caused by the protest but also sympathized with the drivers. “It’s difficult for us because we rely on these buses every day,” said a commuter stranded at Ajah. “The government and the drivers need to find a middle ground.”

As of press time, authorities had restored calm, but the incident underscores the growing tensions between informal transport operators and the Lagos State Government’s efforts to formalize the transport system.

Korope Drivers Shut Down Lekki–Epe Expressway Over Lagos Ban (Video)