Lagos Govt subsidizes transport with N14.9bn in 6 years
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has spent no less than N14.9 billion subsidising transportation fares for Lagosians over the past six years.
This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during a ministerial press briefing to mark the second anniversary of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
Reeling out the ministry’s scorecard, Osiyemi said the Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL) was established to provide a modern, safe, secure, convenient, and reliable bus transportation system. The service is designed to integrate with other public transport modes in the state and deliver a socially inclusive, affordable, and accessible system for all.
He disclosed that between May 2019 and February 2025, LBSL has transported a total of 60,882,000 passengers.
“Currently, LBSL moves over 42,266 passengers daily, with an average of 1,000 bus trips per day. Since inception, LBSL’s average fare has been N261.67 cheaper than the prevailing fares in Lagos. This fare subsidy has amounted to an estimated N14.9 billion,” the commissioner said.
Speaking on water transportation, Osiyemi noted that the state government is still investigating the cause of the recent fire incident involving a LAGFERRY boat. He added that the report of the probe will be made public once completed. He also revealed that CCTV cameras have now been installed on all LAGFERRY boats, a move aimed at ensuring passenger safety through real-time monitoring.
The commissioner said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains committed to transforming the transportation landscape in Lagos. He noted that the commitment goes beyond road, rail, and water transport to improving the overall quality of life for residents.
Reiterating the Governor’s dedication to transportation reform, Osiyemi said: “His vision for Lagos transportation is a journey toward the integration of all modes—affordability, efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
