Hundreds of korope drivers come out for protest on Tuesday for Ajah area of Lagos as dem kick against Lagos State Government ban wey stop dem from operating for Lekki–Epe Expressway.
The drivers block parts of the busy road, cause serious traffic wahala and leave plenty commuters stranded for hours. The protest follow government enforcement of policy wey turn the Lekki–Epe corridor to regulated Mass Transit route under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI). Under the arrangement, unregulated korope buses no fit operate for the main expressway again, as authorities direct dem to use inner roads and feeder routes instead, saying the move go improve safety and organise the transport system better. For quick response, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation condemn the road blockage, describe am as disruptive and against earlier agreement with transport unions. Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, talk say the restriction no be sudden decision, as government don start consultation and public notice since 2024 before dem fully enforce am for late 2025. Government also say over 200 medium and big buses don deploy for routes like Ajah–CMS, Ajah–Oshodi and Ajah–Berger, with plan to extend go reach Epe. Public reaction dey mixed. Some Lagos residents support the ban, accuse korope drivers of reckless driving and causing accidents, while others argue say the policy go make life harder for low-income earners and drivers wey depend on the business to survive. Security operatives later clear the protesters from the road, but traffic still heavy for several hours. Meanwhile, the state government insist say dem no go reverse the reform as Lagos dey push for more organised and safer transport system.
