Cowry Card Processes 19 Million Trips as Lagos Prepares to Enforce Cashless Transit

By Digitnomics

As Lagos State prepares to begin strict enforcement of its cashless public transportation policy on August 1, Touch and Pay Technologies has revealed that its Cowry Card system has processed more than 19 million trips across the state’s regulated transport network since January 2026.

The disclosure was made by Olamide Afolabi, Managing Director of Touch and Pay Technologies, during a Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) X Space session aimed at addressing commuters’ concerns ahead of the enforcement.

The milestone underscores the widespread adoption of the Cowry Card, indicating that millions of Lagos residents already rely on the platform daily for BRT and rail services. With the new directive taking effect, cash payments will no longer be accepted on regulated public transport.

Cash payments become a criminal offence from August 1

Beginning August 1, commuters who attempt to pay cash on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Bus Reform Initiative (BRI), and Lagos Rail Mass Transit services risk arrest and prosecution.

Previously, enforcement efforts focused mainly on transport operators and ticketing personnel who collected fares outside the approved electronic payment system. Under the new policy, commuters themselves will also be held accountable for violating the cashless payment rule.

The move marks the most comprehensive enforcement of Lagos’ cashless transit initiative since the Cowry Card was introduced.

Commuters advised to top up cards digitally

Responding to the issue, Afolabi advised commuters to avoid unnecessary risks by recharging their Cowry Cards directly through the official mobile application or self-service terminals available at designated locations.

He noted that these digital channels have always been available and offer a safer, faster alternative to relying on agents at transport terminals.

BRT drivers also face prosecution

The enforcement campaign will not only target commuters.

According to Adekunle Tajudeen, Managing Director of Teejay Motors, one of the operators within the BRT network, drivers—known within the system as “captains”—will also face arrest if they collect cash fares or divert passenger payments outside the approved Cowry Card system.

Tajudeen disclosed that transport operators have already been formally notified of the consequences of violating the policy.

He cited a recent incident in Oshodi where a BRT driver allegedly transported a full bus of passengers after collecting fares through his personal bank account instead of the official payment platform. The driver, he said, is currently on the run.

No grace period announced

LAMATA has yet to announce any grace period before enforcement begins.

Residents who have continued paying cash out of convenience are therefore encouraged to obtain and activate a Cowry Card before August 1.

The cards can be purchased and recharged at BRT terminals, approved agent locations, self-service kiosks, and through the official Cowry Card mobile application.

With just days before enforcement begins, Lagos authorities are signalling that both commuters and transport operators will be expected to comply fully with the state’s cashless transit policy.