The Lagos State Government has explained why it has yet to fully replace BRT buses destroyed during the 2020 EndSARS protests.
Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat said the major challenge was the sharp increase in the cost of purchasing replacement buses.
Hamzat disclosed this during a question-and-answer session with Nigeria Info FM on Thursday while responding to concerns about the availability of buses across Lagos.
He explained that the buses originally cost about ₦80 million each when they were purchased.
According to him, the cost has now risen to approximately ₦280 million per bus, making full replacement significantly more expensive for the state.
The deputy governor said the huge price difference had contributed to the delay in replacing all the vehicles destroyed during the protests.
His comments came amid complaints from commuters about the availability of BRT buses and other public transportation options across Lagos.
The EndSARS protests of 2020 resulted in widespread damage to public infrastructure and transport assets in several parts of Lagos.
BRT buses were among the vehicles destroyed during the unrest, leaving gaps in the state's regulated public transportation system.
Hamzat, however, maintained that the government remained focused on improving public transportation and expanding available options for commuters.
The number of buses cited by the deputy governor also differs from an earlier breakdown released by the Lagos State Government after the 2020 violence.
The cost of replacing the affected fleet has become more significant as inflation and other economic pressures have pushed up the prices of vehicles and transport equipment.
Lagos has also continued to review its public transport system, including fare adjustments designed to help operators cope with rising operational costs.
In February 2026, the state approved a 13 per cent increase in fares across services under the Bus Reform Initiative, including BRT and standard bus routes.
The latest explanation provides insight into why commuters have continued to experience pressure on the availability of some BRT services years after the EndSARS destruction.
For Lagos residents who rely heavily on public transportation, the replacement of damaged buses remains important for improving capacity and reducing pressure on existing vehicles.
The state government's challenge now is to balance the huge cost of fleet replacement with the need to provide affordable and reliable transportation for millions of commuters.