By Peter Omopo
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has denied allegations of harassment involving a Lagos-based TikTok content creator known as darkskinnedella, following viral videos she posted about her daily commute.
The TikToker, who documents her trips to Lagos Island on the social media platform, recently shared videos highlighting long waiting times faced by commuters at Bus Rapid Transit terminals, sometimes exceeding two hours. She also alleged that transport staff confronted her while she was filming the situation.
Responding to the claims, the Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA, Kolawole Ojelabi, said the incident did not amount to a confrontation as suggested in the videos.
According to him, the agency discourages filming individuals within its transport infrastructure without their consent in line with privacy regulations.
Ojelabi explained that a staff member of one of the Bus Operating Companies attempted to inform the content creator about the policy while she was recording, but the message was not well received.
LAMATA also addressed concerns raised by the TikToker regarding an alleged shortage of buses along the Ikorodu corridor.
The agency clarified that each Bus Rapid Transit route operates with a specific number of buses assigned daily and that the situation described by commuters reflects operational realities rather than an actual shortage.
Ojelabi noted that once buses depart with passengers to their destinations, other commuters may have to wait until the vehicles return before boarding.
He also dismissed claims that some BRT buses had been chartered for private events, which the TikToker suggested contributed to congestion during morning rush hours.
According to him, buses within the system are not expected to be chartered.
LAMATA added that it is working with private transport operators to expand the number of buses in operation in order to reduce waiting times for commuters.
The TikToker has been documenting her commuting experience since relocating to Lagos in late 2025, posting videos showing long queues at terminals, early morning departures from home and delays during peak hours.
She said she usually leaves home around 6:30 a.m. to reach the terminal by 7 a.m., yet sometimes waits more than two hours before boarding a bus.
The Lagos Bus Rapid Transit system is regulated by LAMATA, which oversees policy and infrastructure, while daily operations are managed by private bus companies, including Primero Transport Services Limited.
Concerns about long queues and limited buses on BRT routes have been reported over the years, particularly along busy corridors such as Ikorodu, as demand for the service continues to exceed available supply.
