The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has responded to claims of harassment involving Lagos-based TikTok content creator, darkskinnedella, after a series of viral videos shared by the creator.
The TikToker, who documents her daily commute to Lagos Island, highlighted this week the long waiting times experienced by commuters—sometimes exceeding two hours—and alleged harassment by transport staff while filming the congestion.
Report stated that Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA, Kolawole Ojelabi, clarified that the incident “was not a confrontation per se.” He explained that “in line with the privacy law, filming individuals without their consent within our transport infrastructure is discouraged.”
He added, “One of the ground staff of one of our Bus Operating Companies attempted to communicate this policy to the individual who was filming, but the message was unfortunately received with aggression.”
LAMATA also addressed concerns about supposed bus shortages along the Ikorodu corridor. Ojelabi noted that each BRT route has a set number of buses assigned daily.
“The reports of bus shortages currently trending have been noted. However, it is important to clarify that each route has a specific number of buses allocated to it. Once these buses are loaded and depart with passengers to their destinations, subsequent commuters may have to wait for the buses to return before boarding,” he said, explaining that the delays reflect operational realities rather than an actual shortage.
The agency denied claims that buses were being chartered for private events, which the TikToker suggested contributed to the morning congestion. “This is not true. Buses are not expected to be on charter,” Ojelabi affirmed.
On efforts to improve services, LAMATA said it is working with private operators to expand the fleet and reduce commuter waiting times.
Darkskinnedella has been documenting her BRT commute since relocating to Lagos in late 2025, showing long queues, early departures, and delays both in the morning and evening. She reported leaving home as early as 6:30 a.m. to reach the terminal by 7 a.m., yet sometimes waiting over two hours to board. Many commuters depend on the BRT system for its dedicated lanes and lower fares compared to commercial buses.
The Lagos BRT system is regulated by LAMATA, which oversees policy, infrastructure, and system regulation, while daily operations are managed by private bus companies, including Primero Transport Services Limited.
Concerns about bus shortages on BRT routes are long-standing. Reports from as far back as 2020 documented similar complaints, particularly along busy corridors like Ikorodu. Despite fare reductions and fleet expansion efforts, demand continues to outpace supply, highlighting ongoing operational challenges in meeting commuter needs.
