Baba Dee Slams Corruption in Lagos Public Transport After Frustrating Train Experience

Nigerian singer and activist Dare Fasasi, popularly known as Baba Dee, has publicly criticised Nigeria’s public transport management, highlighting what he calls systemic corruption and inefficiency.

In a recent Instagram post, Baba Dee recounted how he was forced to abandon his car and take the train while navigating Lagos’ notorious traffic. However, his experience at the train stations left him shocked.

According to him, several stations were “out of” Cowrie cards in December—a peak commuting period—forcing passengers into chaotic alternatives. At Orile–Iganmu station, he alleged that an attendant was openly accepting bank transfers into his personal account to allow passengers to board, a situation Baba Dee described as “daylight robbery dressed up as public service.”

“How does that even happen?” he questioned, pointing to the complete breakdown of accountability in a system meant to serve millions.

Baba Dee warned that such practices erode public trust and threaten the sustainability of public transport services, stressing that no system can thrive if those managing it treat it as a personal cash machine. “You don’t sabotage a system and expect it to survive,” he wrote.

This revelation has sparked conversations online about the urgent need for transparency and proper oversight in Nigeria’s public service sector. Fans and commuters alike are calling on authorities to address the issues, emphasizing that effective public transport is critical for Lagos, a city already plagued by gridlock.

Opinion: Baba Dee’s frustration resonates with many Nigerians who face daily struggles with public services. His critique underscores a wider issue: efficiency and integrity in public systems are not optional—they are essential for citizens’ welfare. While entertainment stars are often seen as distant from political or civic matters, Baba Dee’s candid experience shows that when public infrastructure fails, it affects everyone, regardless of status. Lagos, with its bustling economy and dense population, cannot afford such lapses if it wants to function effectively. Public transport management must urgently prioritize transparency, accountability, and adequate service provision, especially during peak seasons.

This story is a reminder that civic accountability is not just a bureaucratic ideal—it directly impacts lives and livelihoods.