The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has denied allegations of harassment involving a Lagos-based TikTok content creator known as darkskinnedella following viral videos showing long commuter queues on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
The creator had posted videos on TikTok documenting her daily commute to Lagos Island and highlighting long waiting times at BRT terminals, sometimes exceeding two hours.
She also alleged that transport staff confronted her while filming congestion at the terminal.
Responding to the claims on Wednesday, LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, said the incident was misunderstood and linked to privacy regulations within the transport system.
Ojelabi said: “It was not a confrontation per se.”
He explained that the agency discourages filming individuals without their consent within its facilities.
Ojelabi said: “In line with the privacy law, filming individuals without their consent within our transport infrastructure is discouraged.
“One of the ground staff of one of our Bus Operating Companies attempted to communicate this policy to the individual who was filming, but the message was unfortunately received with aggression.”
The agency also addressed concerns about alleged bus shortages on the Ikorodu BRT corridor, which the TikTok videos highlighted.
Ojelabi said the delays experienced by commuters were linked to operational realities rather than a lack of buses.
He said: “The reports of bus shortages currently trending have been noted. However, it is important to clarify that each route has a specific number of buses allocated to it.
“Once these buses are loaded and depart with passengers to their destinations, subsequent commuters may have to wait for the buses to return before boarding.”
LAMATA also denied claims that BRT buses were being chartered for private events, which the content creator suggested could be contributing to congestion.
Ojelabi said: “This is not true. Buses are not expected to be on charter.”
The authority added that it is working with private bus operators to increase fleet capacity and reduce waiting times for commuters.
LAMATA oversees the policy and regulation of the Lagos BRT system, while daily operations are managed by private transport companies, including Primero Transport Services Limited.
The TikTok creator began documenting her commute after relocating to Lagos in late 2025, often sharing videos of long queues and early morning departures from home to secure a seat on buses heading to Lagos Island.
Concerns about long queues and insufficient buses along BRT corridors, particularly the Ikorodu route, have been raised by commuters for several years, reflecting ongoing pressure on the city’s transport system as demand continues to exceed supply.
