The Lagos State Government has explained the delay in replacing the Bus Rapid Transit buses destroyed during the #EndSARS protests, attributing the setback largely to the sharp increase in the cost of purchasing new buses.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, disclosed this during a question-and-answer session with Nigeria Info FM on Thursday.
According to Hamzat, the buses originally cost about N80 million each, but the price has now risen to approximately N280 million per bus, making it difficult for the state to replace all the vehicles lost during the 2020 unrest.
Rising Cost Delays Replacement
Hamzat said about 200 BRT buses were burnt during the #EndSARS crisis and explained that the huge increase in acquisition costs had affected the government's ability to restore the fleet to its previous strength.
He noted that the state had also anticipated that some buses would need to be withdrawn from service after seven or eight years, making the replacement challenge even more pressing.
The shortage of buses has contributed to longer waiting times and complaints from commuters who depend heavily on the BRT system.
Government Looks to Private Operators
The deputy governor said Lagos was increasingly looking towards private-sector participation to address gaps in public transportation.
According to him, private operators can acquire and deploy buses more quickly, while the government can provide subsidies to help keep fares affordable for residents.
Hamzat argued that government should focus on regulation and support rather than directly managing large numbers of buses, saying private operators are generally more flexible and faster in responding to transport needs.
Earlier Replacement Efforts
The Lagos Government had previously taken steps to replace some of the buses destroyed during the 2020 violence. In 2021, the state commissioned 100 new high-capacity buses as replacement vehicles, alongside 300 First and Last Mile buses.
However, the latest explanation indicates that the state has been unable to completely restore the number of buses lost.
There is also a discrepancy in official figures: Hamzat referred to 200 BRT buses being burnt, while a 2021 Lagos Government breakdown reported 80 BRT vehicles destroyed during the unrest—23 large buses at Ojodu and 57 medium-sized buses at Oyingbo.
Lagos Expands Other Transport Options
Hamzat said the state was also expanding other modes of transportation, including ferry services and rail, as part of efforts to reduce pressure on the road transport system.
He expressed optimism that combining buses, rail and waterways would eventually provide Lagos residents with more reliable transportation options.
The government’s latest position comes as commuters continue to complain about inadequate BRT availability, overcrowding and long waiting times on some major routes.
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