Lagos Deserve Better, Says Doherty as Agbero Debate Returns

The daily struggles of Lagos commuters took centre stage as Funsho Doherty, governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), called for urgent reforms to the state’s transport system and questioned why the influence of agberos remains deeply entrenched.

Speaking during the Lagos Governorship Debate, Doherty argued that the continued presence of transport touts, commonly known as agberos, reflects a broader failure to modernise public transportation and prioritise the needs of ordinary residents. He said successive administrations have lacked the political will needed to tackle the problem.

For millions of Lagosians who depend on commercial buses to get to work, school and markets, the debate goes beyond politics. Many commuters face daily challenges ranging from congestion and ageing vehicles to the unofficial levies often associated with transport operations across the city.

According to Doherty, powerful interests benefiting from the current arrangement have made reform difficult, preventing the development of a more efficient and resident-focused transport system. He maintained that meaningful change would require a government accountable to the people rather than networks that profit from the status quo.

The NDC candidate also questioned why Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, still relies heavily on thousands of ageing buses despite years of discussions about transportation reform. He suggested that residents deserve safer, more organised and modern options for their daily commute.

The issue of agbero activities has long sparked public debate in Lagos, with critics linking it to disorder within the transport sector and additional financial burdens on drivers and passengers. Agberos are commonly described as transport touts who collect money from commercial drivers at bus stops, motor parks and along major routes.

While the remarks were made in a political setting, they touched on concerns shared by many residents who hope for a transport system that is safer, more predictable and better suited to a rapidly growing city.

As discussions around the 2027 Lagos governorship election continue, transportation is expected to remain a key issue, particularly for workers, students and small business owners whose livelihoods depend on moving around the city efficiently.