A Lagos-based content creator, popularly known online as Ella, has sparked a nationwide conversation about public transportation after documenting the daily struggle commuters face due to the shortage of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses in the city.
The content creator (also called “darkskinnedella”) on social media has gone viral for posting videos showing the long queues at BRT terminals and the difficulties many Lagos residents face while trying to get to work each day. Her videos have resonated with thousands of commuters who say the problem is a familiar reality.
How her videos went viral
Ella began documenting her daily commute after relocating to Lagos in late 2025. According to her, the long wait times at BRT terminals, particularly along the busy Ikorodu corridor, can sometimes stretch beyond two hours.
In several viral clips, she showed long lines of passengers waiting to board buses, some arriving at bus stops as early as 4 a.m. just to secure a spot in the queue.
The videos quickly spread across social media, with many Nigerians sharing similar experiences about the shortage of buses and the stress of commuting in Lagos.
Ella insisted that she started recording the situation to draw attention to the issue and push authorities to improve public transportation.
“If they provided buses for us, I would stop. If I come to this queue and spend more than five minutes, I will make videos,” she said in one of the clips.
What started as simple documentation soon turned into a form of advocacy, with Ella repeatedly calling attention to the need for better public transportation services.
Alleged harassment at the BRT terminal
However, her advocacy soon led to a confrontation at one of the terminals. In one widely circulated video, Ella claimed she was harassed while filming the long queue at a BRT terminal. According to her account, a woman confronted her and attempted to seize her phone while she was recording.
The incident triggered mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians praised her for highlighting the daily struggles of commuters, others questioned whether filming people in the queue without their consent was appropriate.
The issue eventually drew a response from the transport authorities overseeing the system.
Authorities react
In its reaction via a statement, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), which oversees the BRT system in Lagos, advised content creators to be mindful of existing privacy laws when creating and sharing content on public transport. Regarding the issue of the shortage of buses, the agency stated, “We appreciate the feedback provided, as it helps strengthen our regulatory oversight and improve service delivery across the regulated public transport system.
The authority also acknowledged the growing demand for more buses, citing the affordability and reliability of regulated public transport. It said it was actively working with private sector partners to accelerate the introduction of more buses into the system.
Public support for Ella
Despite the controversy, Ella’s videos have received widespread support online.
Many Nigerians praised her for highlighting the daily reality faced by commuters across the city. Social media users described her videos as a form of citizen journalism, helping amplify a problem that affects thousands of residents every day.
In recognition of her efforts, she has also received a one-year transport allowance and a salary raise from her workplace after speaking up about Lagos transport issues.