By Ismail Azeez
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has issued a formal response to a viral video highlighting commuter challenges within the city’s public transport network, while renewing its commitment to scaling up bus operations.
The statement, released on Wednesday, addressed a trending clip posted by content creator @darksinned.ella, which captured a dispute between passengers and a bus supervisor.
Kolawole Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communication for LAMATA, clarified that the supervisor involved in the incident is an employee of a private Bus Operating Company (BOC), rather than a direct staff member of the agency. Nevertheless, LAMATA emphasized that it takes such reports seriously as part of its regulatory oversight and is actively engaging with private operators to ensure service standards are upheld.
In its statement, the agency acknowledged the growing strain on its network, noting that the increased demand is a direct result of the reliability and affordability of regulated transport amidst rising global fuel cost.
To mitigate long wait times and overcrowding, LAMATA is actively working with private sector partners to accelerate the deployment of additional buses across Lagos.
The agency also used the opportunity to address growing concerns regarding privacy during content creation on public transport.
LAMATA advised creators to respect the rights of fellow commuters and obtain appropriate consent before recording.
The authority warned that it will not be held liable for privacy breaches caused by third-party filming and publication, stressing that passengers have a right to privacy while using public transit.
LAMATA reiterated that the Lagos State Government has invested heavily in multimodal infrastructure, including rail, water terminals, and dedicated bus corridors.
To fully optimize these assets, the agency is actively encouraging further private sector participation to bridge current gaps in fleet capacity.
LAMATA concluded by reaffirming its dedication to providing safe, dignified, and efficient transportation for all Lagos residents.