The Lagos State Government has announced that it is working closely with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to bring order and regulation to the operations of the popular yellow buses, popularly known as danfos, across the state. This was disclosed on Friday by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the agency responsible for implementing the state’s transport policies.
According to LAMATA, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that danfo buses, which remain a vital mode of daily transportation for millions of Lagos residents, are better integrated into the state’s evolving transport system. The government said the move will not only improve the safety and reliability of commercial buses but also help tackle the perennial issues of arbitrary fares, reckless driving, and traffic law violations associated with many danfo operators.
Speaking on the development, a senior LAMATA official explained that the partnership with NURTW is strategic, as the union remains the largest body representing commercial transport operators in the state. The government believes that by working with the union, it can enforce standard operating procedures, regulate fare structures, and ensure operators comply with safety and environmental standards.
“The truth is, danfo buses are still an important part of Lagos transport. What the state is doing is not to phase them out suddenly, but to formalise their operations so that they complement the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other modern transport schemes,” the statement read.
In recent years, Lagos has rolled out several initiatives aimed at modernising public transport, including the BRT system, ferry services, and the long-anticipated Lagos Rail Mass Transit. However, experts say the majority of residents still depend on danfo buses for quick and affordable movement across the city.
Transport analysts have welcomed the development but stressed that for the plan to work, the state must balance regulation with affordability. They warned that if new policies lead to fare hikes, many commuters could be priced out, leading to resistance from both drivers and passengers.
Meanwhile, commuters have expressed mixed reactions. While some welcomed the move, saying it could bring order to the often chaotic danfo system, others expressed skepticism, fearing that government involvement might only lead to increased costs without real improvements.
The Lagos State Government assured the public that the reforms will be gradual and will involve continuous consultation with key stakeholders, including drivers, commuters, and civil society groups.
If successful, the plan could mark a significant step towards a more efficient, safer, and sustainable transport network in Africa’s largest megacity.
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