Lagos Government Partners With NURTW To Regulate Danfo Operations.
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Areas Transport Authority (LAMATA), has embarked on a transformative partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to regularise the operations of the iconic yellow ‘Danfo’ buses, a cornerstone of Lagos’ public transport system. This initiative aims to bring order and efficiency to the city’s informal transport sector, enhancing the commuting experience for millions of Lagosians.
LAMATA’s Managing Director, Abimbola Akinajo, announced the collaboration during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme. She highlighted the critical role Danfos play in moving the majority of Lagos residents, underscoring that scrapping them is not a viable option. Instead, the government is focusing on integrating these buses into a structured and regulated framework. “We are working closely with the NURTW to ensure Danfos operate within a system that prioritises safety, reliability, and passenger comfort,” Akinajo stated.
The partnership is part of LAMATA’s Bus Industry Transition Programme, which seeks to bridge the gap between the formal and informal transport sectors. The initiative includes measures such as re-registering and recertifying all buses, introducing an e-ticketing system, and providing transport infrastructure like laybys and terminals. Additionally, the programme will enforce stricter regulations, including random drug tests for drivers and the deployment of high-capacity buses on major routes like the Lekki-Epe corridor, with smaller Danfos and ‘Koropes’ reassigned to inner routes.
The collaboration has already shown promising results, with the NURTW successfully operating one of Lagos’ Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes. This success underscores the union’s potential to play a pivotal role in professionalising the transport sector. Stakeholders, including the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), have endorsed the initiative, signing a communique to affirm their support for the state’s restructuring plans.
Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, noted that the government is relying on transport unions to identify and eliminate unregistered operators, ensuring compliance with the new regulations. The Lekki-Epe corridor will serve as a pilot for this initiative, with plans to expand the model across Lagos. The state government has also introduced an e-call up system to manage truck movements in the corridor, further easing congestion and improving traffic flow.
Despite the planned ban on unregulated Danfo and Korope operations along the Lekki-Epe corridor from 1 October 2024, the NURTW has urged its members not to panic, assuring them that the reforms aim to enhance, not eliminate, their livelihoods. Operators are encouraged to register with the Ministry of Transportation within the next two weeks to secure designated routes and comply with the new standards.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards modernising Lagos’ transport system, promising safer roads, reduced congestion, and a more seamless commuting experience for residents. The Lagos State Government remains committed to working with all stakeholders to create a sustainable, people-centred transport network that meets the needs of Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital.