Refutes

  The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has responded to allegations of harassment involving a Lagos-based TikTok content creator, darkskinnedella, following a series of viral videos shared by the creator. The creator, who documents her daily commute to Lagos Island on TikTok, drew attention this week to the prolonged waiting times faced by commuters, often exceeding two hours, and alleged harassment by transport staff when filming the congestion. In response to an inquiry by PUNCH Online regarding the alleged harassment and bus shortages, 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. “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 alleged bus shortages along the Ikorodu corridor. Ojelabi noted that each BRT route has a specific 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, clarifying that the delays reflected operational realities rather than a shortage. The agency further denied claims that buses had been 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 said. On measures to improve service, LAMATA stated it is collaborating with private operators to expand the fleet and ease commuter waiting times. Darkskinnedella has been documenting her BRT commute since relocating to Lagos in late 2025, showing long queues, early departures from home, and delays both in the morning and evening. She explained that she leaves home as early as 6:30 a.m. to reach the terminal by 7 a.m., yet still sometimes waits more than two hours before boarding. Many commuters rely 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 handled by private bus companies, including Primero Transport Services Limited. Concerns over bus shortages on BRT routes are longstanding. Reports from PUNCH Metro dating back to 2020 documented similar complaints from commuters about long queues and insufficient buses, particularly along busy corridors such as Ikorodu. Despite fare reductions and fleet expansion measures, demand continues to outpace supply, highlighting persistent operational challenges in meeting commuter needs.