By Ayo Onikoyi

Nigeria’s urban public transportation system, is overwhelmingly dominated by informal operators, danfos (minibuses), okadas (motorcycles), kekes (tricycles). Cities, especially Lagos, suffer daily from traffic congestion, lawless danfos, and a disorganized transport system that frustrates millions of commuters. Danfos stop in the middle of busy roads without warning to pick or drop passengers, obstructing traffic in the process.

Despite Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and light rail are in place, informal transport dominates due to flexibility. Instead of eliminating this informal transport system, could we organize it?

This article proposes an integrative reform strategy that places the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at the center of a new regulatory framework, one designed and enforced in partnership with government agencies and the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria (CIOTA) to regulate the informal transport system of the country.

The Problem with Informal Transport

The dominance of informal transport in Lagos, minibuses (danfos), motorcycles (okadas), and tricycles (kekes), has long overwhelmed the official systems. These vehicles handle over 60% of daily trips but operate outside proper regulation. Drivers decide their own routes, fare prices, stop anywhere, and often ignore safety rules. Equally, many passengers contribute to the chaos by flagging down vehicles or waiting to board at unofficial spots far from designated terminals or parks. Such practices create dangerous traffic patterns and increase the likelihood of accidents. In places like Mile 12 along Ikorodu Road, congestion is regularly caused by informal operators, routinely stop in the middle of the road, treating parts of the expressway as motor parks.

Despite efforts from agencies like LASTMA, the informal sector continues to operate on its own terms. Enforcement is inconsistent and often targets private vehicle owners more than commercial operators.

Reforming the NURTW

Though often criticized for extortion and political entanglements, the NURTW has unmatched reach. It controls parks, routes, and driver registration in nearly every major city in the country. With the right framework, it could become a vital partner in restructuring urban transport.

In other countries, informal operators have been brought into the fold. In Philippines, Manila’s Jeepney drivers were organized into cooperatives. In South Africa, minibus drivers received incentives to join recognized associations. Nigeria can follow suit, transforming NURTW into a strategic partner to operate under a national code of conduct developed jointly with CIOTA and government transport agencies. This would regularize, standardize and professionalize the disorganized public transport system.

The Role of CIOTA

CIOTA, Nigeria’s transport professional body, can bring expertise, training, and certification to the grassroots. Modules would cover driver ethical practice, safety, vehicle maintenance, customer service, and basic transport economics. NURTW members would be required to complete training before operating on designated routes. NURTW, in turn, should also enforce internal compliance among its members.

The goal is not just regulation, it’s professionalization. Drivers would be certified. Parks would be better managed. And passengers would enjoy a safer, more consistent experience.

Government: From Policy to Real Enforcement

This reform cannot work without government leadership. Beyond policy and infrastructure, enforcement must be consistent and fair. Enforcement should target the informal operators (danfos, Keke, Okada and the likes) who pick up and drop off passengers in traffic lanes just as vigorously as it targets private car owners. Government traffic management agencies must hold informal operators accountable, using fines, impoundment, and operator suspension to deter violations. Strict sanctions should be imposed on both drivers and commuters found violating designated pickup/drop-off regulations.

The federal and state governments should also digitize the system. A centralized transport database, digital licenses, mobile fare payments, and real-time monitoring tools would help track compliance and performance.

Take Nairobi and Kigali, for example. Both cities have successfully digitized parts of their informal transport systems, using fleet tracking and mobile money to enforce order.

Stakeholder Roles in the Reform Plan

Stakeholder

Key Role

Outcome

NURTW

Coordinate operators, manage parks, ensure compliance

Organized and accountable transport unions

CIOTA

Train, certify, and professionalize drivers

Safer and more ethical service

Government

Enforce laws, build infrastructure, integrate systems

Reduced congestion and better oversight

Potential Challenges

Reforming the NURTW won’t be easy. Some union leaders may resist. Political interests could interfere. There’s also the risk of drivers acquiring certificates without truly changing their behavior.

A solution? A multi-stakeholder task force. This team made up of CIOTA, NURTW, government transport agencies, and civil society reps would supervise the reform process, audit compliance, and report progress regularly.

A Path Forward

Nigeria’s informal transport system presents both challenges and opportunities. Rather than eliminating the system, the focus should be on regulating and elevating it. With collaboration, enforcement, and professionalism, we can create sustainable, people-centered mobility.

These reforms won’t just ease traffic. They’ll save lives, reduce travel times, and boost the economy. The road ahead is clear, if we have the will to follow it. Policymakers, unions, and citizens must support this reform to modernize Nigeria’s transport system.