Lagos TikToker Filming Daily BRT Struggles Alleges Harassment by Staff

A Lagos-based TikToker has alleged that staff of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system harassed her after she posted videos highlighting long queues and bus shortages at the Ikorodu terminal.

The content creator, known on TikTok as @ella_the_fashionistar, has been sharing clips documenting her daily commute to Lagos Island and the challenges faced by commuters using the BRT system.

In one of the videos, she claimed she was confronted by transport staff after speaking out about the situation.

“I got harassed on the queue because I spoke up,” she said while recounting her experience at the terminal.

According to her, commuters often wait more than two hours before boarding buses despite arriving very early in the morning.

She explained that her work resumes by 9 a.m., forcing her to wake up as early as 4 a.m. to join the queue between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., yet the waiting time remains long.

In another video, a woman believed to be a transport staff member was heard warning her against recording.

“Don’t make any video today. If you make any video today, I will seize your phone,” the woman said in the clip.

The TikToker insisted she would continue documenting the situation, stating:

“If they provided buses for us, I will stop. If I come to this queue and spend more than five minutes, I will make videos.”

The Lagos Bus Rapid Transit system is regulated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), while operations are handled by private bus operators including Primero Transport Services Limited.

The incident has reignited concerns about persistent bus shortages and long queues along major BRT corridors, particularly the busy Ikorodu route, which serves thousands of commuters daily.

LAMATA has yet to issue a detailed public response regarding the alleged harassment.