Ogun commercial drivers protest increase in levies

On Monday, a few commercial drivers who work in the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo districts of Ogun State seized the motorway in protest of many levies that transport union workers, often known as Agberos, had placed on them. 

After keeping an eye on the demonstration, our correspondent learnt from the drivers that they were charged arbitrary costs that have seriously harmed them. 

The transport union fare, which was previously N4,000 per day cumulatively, was raised to N6,000 on Monday, much to the dismay of the drivers, most of whom were minibus operators.

They emphasised that the difficulties they were facing had been made worse by the increase in petrol costs and the purchase of car parts. Driver Moses Ademoyegun said that the Agberos' extortion has gotten out of hand, which is why they are protesting. 

He went on to say that his children's attendance at school has been necessitated by the current economic climate because his driving revenue has decreased.

In his words, “What we are experiencing from the Agberos has become unbearable. Today, we woke up to the news that the ticket fee has increased. Bus stops where we used to pay N100 have now increased to N200, and those where we paid N500 have gone up to N700.

“I spend no less than N100,000 on fuel every week, and passengers are also groaning and unwilling to pay enough to cover the cost of fuel. My children are at home because I cannot afford their school fees due to the decline in what I earn daily.”

Source