The conflict between minibus drivers and the transport union along the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has escalated over increased levies imposed on the drivers. The drivers protested against these rising costs, accusing the transport union workers, commonly known as agberos, of extortion. Previously paying about N4,000 daily, the levies have risen to N6,000, compounding the drivers' financial difficulties amid rising fuel prices and vehicle maintenance costs.
During the protest, the drivers carried placards pleading for government intervention, particularly from Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, as many of them, like Daniel Ademoyegun, shared stories of hardship. Ademoyegun noted that the extortion had become so severe that he could no longer afford school fees for his children.
Another driver, Benjamin Joseph, appealed to the state government to curb the actions of the agberos, accusing them of offering no benefit in return for the numerous fees collected. Meanwhile, Moses Prosper proposed a unified ticketing system to reduce the burden of paying multiple levies at each bus stop.
However, the Ogun State Secretary of the Road Transport Employers' Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Tiwalade Akingbade, refuted the drivers' claims, stating that the issue was a misunderstanding, not a levy hike. Akingbade explained that the situation had been resolved after discussions at a police station and reassured that no fee increase had been implemented.
Despite these assurances, drivers continue to demand reforms, highlighting the need for transparency and fairness in the transport union's operations. Efforts to reach the state Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, for comments were unsuccessful.
