Outrage in Lagos as Viral Video Exposes Agbero Assault on Female Motorist Along Lekki-Epe Expressway

The recurring violence associated with transport touts in Lagos points to a much deeper, systemic crisis: the highly lucrative, politically connected "agbero economy." For decades, transport unions have operated parallel revenue collection systems on state highways, generating billions of naira annually. This shadow economy, which thrives on coercion, is often protected by political patronage, making it incredibly difficult to dismantle despite numerous legislative bans and executive orders issued by successive state administrations.

From an economic standpoint, the unchecked activities of these touts act as an informal, highly regressive tax on logistics and commerce, driving up the cost of goods and transport fares within the metropolis. For a state striving to project itself as a modern, investment-friendly megacity, the unchecked presence of hostile actors on major economic arteries like the Lekki-Epe Expressway remains a glaring contradiction that deters potential investors and undermines public trust in municipal governance.

Civil society organizations and legal experts are calling for a fundamental shift in how the Lagos State Government manages public order. Critics argue that mere verbal condemnations from state officials are no longer sufficient; there must be a sustained, technologically aided policing strategy to rid the roads of illegal toll collectors. Enforcing the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, which explicitly prohibits the collection of union dues on active roadways, is widely seen as the only viable path forward.

Ultimately, the resolution of this crisis rests on the political will of the state administration to prioritize the safety of its citizens over political expediency. Until the government dismantles the patronage networks that shield these actors from prosecution, everyday Lagosians will continue to pay a heavy price—both financially and physically—on the state's highways.