The Lagos State Government has declared that the restriction of unregulated minibuses, popularly called Korope, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway is a permanent, data-driven policy, following a protest by the drivers.

In an official rejoinder on Tuesday, signed by the Special Adviser on Transportation to the Governor, Sola Giwa, the state condemned the blockade of the Ajah axis, describing the drivers’ actions as “economic sabotage” and a threat to public safety.

The statement read: “The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has been drawn to reports of a protest by operators of Korope minibuses which temporarily obstructed movement along the Lekki–Epe Expressway, particularly around the Ajah axis.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Lekki–Epe corridor has formally transitioned into a Mass Transit and Regulated Transport Corridor under the Bus Reform Initiative (BRI) framework of the Lagos State Government.

“This transition is deliberate, data-driven, and in alignment with the State’s long-term vision for a safer, more efficient, and economically viable transport ecosystem.”

“The restriction of unregulated Korope operations on that expressway is not sudden, arbitrary, or targeted,” the statement continued.

“Stakeholder engagement preceded enforcement. Multiple consultations were held with transport unions, corridor operators, and relevant associations. Sensitisation exercises, public advisories, and structured notifications were issued well ahead of enforcement to ensure clarity and compliance,” it noted.

Giwa condemned the protest, which saw several of minibus drivers use their vehicles to obstruct the expressway, and left thousands of commuters stranded.

He wrote: “It is, therefore, unfortunate that despite being fully aware of the policy direction and the regulatory position of government, certain operators chose to disrupt public order by blocking a critical expressway that serves thousands of commuters daily. Such actions undermine public safety, economic productivity, and the collective progress of the corridor.

“The Lekki–Epe Expressway is a strategic economic artery linking residential, commercial, industrial, and maritime assets including the Free Trade Zone. Allowing unregulated operations that compromise traffic flow, safety standards, and structured mass transit reforms would reverse the gains already recorded on the corridor.”

He confirmed he had engaged directly with the Commissioner of Police and Area Commanders to ensure “heightened enforcement, proactive patrol, and sustained vigilance” to prevent further breakdowns of law and order.

The state government urged the protesting drivers to align with the new regulatory framework rather than resorting to chaos.

The statement read: “We urge all operators to align with the regulatory framework guiding the corridor and embrace structured participation within the formal transport system.

“Reforms under the Bus Reform Initiative are designed to improve safety, predictability, and dignity within the transport ecosystem. Lawful engagement remains welcome. However, disruption of public infrastructure will not be tolerated.”