Commercial drivers operating in the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo axis of the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State took to the streets on Monday, protesting an alleged hike in daily levies imposed on them by transport union members, commonly referred to as Agberos.
The protesting drivers, predominantly minibus operators known locally as Korope drivers, decried the sudden increase in union levies from N4,000 to N6,000, an additional burden they described as unbearable given the current economic conditions.
According to them, the already high cost of fuel and vehicle spare parts, following the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidies, had worsened their financial struggles.
One of the drivers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, lamented the daily hardship they face.
“It is hard enough to make ends meet with the current cost of fuel and maintaining our vehicles.
This increase in levies is just too much. We cannot keep paying these outrageous fees while struggling to feed our families,” he said.
The drivers’ grievances reflect the broader frustration shared by many commercial drivers across the state who accuse union officials of taking advantage of their situation to impose arbitrary fees.
They argue that rather than support their welfare, the unions are exacerbating their challenges by imposing multiple levies without adequate justification.
“We’re paying for everything—union fees, security levies, local government taxes—and now this hike from N4,000 to N6,000 is too much for us to handle,” another driver explained.
“There is no improvement in road conditions or facilities for us, yet we keep paying more.”
The protest disrupted traffic along major routes in the area as the drivers parked their vehicles along the road, chanting slogans against the leadership of the transport unions.
Commuters were stranded for hours, with many expressing frustration at the growing unrest in the area.
Reacting to the protests, the leadership of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ogun State denied authorising any increase in the levies charged to commercial drivers.
Tiwalade Akingbade, the association’s secretary, stated that the RTEAN had not sanctioned any upward review of the levies across the state’s 95 chapels and over 250 units.
“If such an action has been taken by anybody, it is illegal. We have not instructed any increase in levies. We will investigate this matter and ensure that justice is served,” Akingbade assured.
He further reiterated the association’s commitment to protecting the interests of commercial drivers, warning that any unauthorized levy collection would be dealt with accordingly.
“We understand the economic challenges that drivers face, and we would not add to their burden by increasing levies arbitrarily. Any such action by individuals within the union will be properly investigated,” he said.
Some industry stakeholders have called for government intervention to regulate the activities of the transport unions and prevent arbitrary levies from being imposed on drivers.
Meanwhile, many commuters in the area have appealed to the state government to intervene in the matter, noting that the frequent protests are disrupting transportation services and making it difficult for residents to move around.
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