The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced that commuters who offer cash payments for journeys on regulated bus services will face enforcement action from August 1, 2026.
The transport authority said the new measure extends existing enforcement efforts, which have previously targeted bus drivers and transport personnel found collecting cash fares. According to LAMATA, offenders have been arrested, prosecuted, and in some cases convicted.
The authority stated that commuters who knowingly pay cash for fares on regulated bus services will now also be liable to arrest and prosecution.
LAMATA advised commuters to make use of approved electronic payment channels, noting that Cowry Cards are available for purchase at designated bus stops and Blue and Red Line train stations.
The authority described cash fare collection within the regulated bus system as an economic offence against the state, arguing that it compromises the transparency and efficiency of the fare collection process, reduces legitimate revenue for operators, and threatens the sustainability of public transportation services.
LAMATA said bus operating companies under its supervision have repeatedly raised concerns over the negative impact of cash transactions on their operations.
According to the authority, revenue losses caused by cash collections have affected operators’ ability to maintain their fleets, purchase spare parts, return faulty buses to service, and meet essential obligations, including payment of workers’ salaries.
The agency urged commuters to comply with the electronic payment policy, stressing that the move is aimed at improving accountability, strengthening the public transport system, and ensuring better service delivery across Lagos.
LAMATA Warns Commuters: Cash Fare Payments on Regulated Bus Services Become Punishable from August 1 #LAMATA #KeepLagosMoving #lasg pic.twitter.com/NDcxkJFRF2
— Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority LAMATA (@Lamataonline) July 27, 2026
