Lagos: LAMATA prohibits carrying of heavy luggage on regulated buses

Lagos State Government has announced a prohibition on the transportation of goods and heavy luggage on all regulated public transport buses operating within the state.

The directive is set to take effect from June 1, 2026.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, through its Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi.

According to LAMATA, the decision was prompted by increasing complaints and operational difficulties arising from the use of regulated buses for carrying goods and bulky items, a practice the agency said has negatively affected passenger comfort, safety, and overall service efficiency.

The authority explained that the directive was agreed upon during a strategic engagement between LAMATA and operators of bus companies, including heads of operations and maintenance units, where stakeholders resolved that the practice must be discontinued and restructured to ensure a more efficient and sustainable transport system.

LAMATA stressed that enforcement of the ban would be strict and uncompromising.

It warned that any bus driver found violating the directive by transporting goods during the enforcement period would face immediate dismissal and blacklisting.

The agency further stated that any terminal or ground staff, including LAMATA personnel, found assisting or permitting the loading of goods onto regulated buses would be summarily removed from service without exception.

“LAMATA emphasised that the enforcement of the suspension will be strict and uncompromising. Any bus driver found violating the directive by conveying goods during the suspension period will face immediate sack and be blacklisted.

“In addition, 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 statement read.

The authority maintained that there would be zero tolerance for non-compliance, adding that the government remained committed to restoring order, safety, and efficiency in Lagos’ public transport system.

It urged commuters, transport operators, terminal officials, and the general public to comply fully with the new directive and make alternative arrangements for the movement of goods.

LAMATA reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safer, more reliable, and commuter-friendly transportation system across the state.