Commuters using regulated public transport services in Lagos will no longer be allowed to pay fares with cash from Friday, August 1, as the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) begins full enforcement of its cashless fare payment policy.
The move is aimed at improving transparency, strengthening accountability, reducing revenue leakages, and ensuring compliance with the state’s electronic fare payment system across regulated transport services.
LAMATA announced the enforcement during an X Space discussion with transport stakeholders and industry leaders titled, “Lagos Cashless Transit: What Aug. 1 Enforcement Means to You.”
Speaking during the session, the agency’s Head of Legal, Idris Akinola, said the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law requires passengers on LAMATA-regulated transport services to pay fares using the approved electronic payment platform, the Cowry Card.
According to Akinola, commuters who continue to pay cash on regulated buses after the enforcement date could face sanctions, as cash payments will no longer be recognised under the policy.
The Cowry Card is currently accepted on LAMATA-regulated transport systems, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network and other designated public bus services under the authority’s supervision.
LAMATA urged commuters who have not yet obtained a Cowry Card to do so before the August 1 enforcement date to avoid disruptions to their daily commute.
The authority said the policy is part of ongoing efforts to modernise Lagos’ public transport system, improve service delivery, and promote a more efficient and accountable transit network.
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