Ogun Commercial Drivers Protest Exorbitant Levies Imposed by Transport Union Workers
Commercial drivers operating in the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo areas of Ogun State took to the expressway on Monday to protest the multiple levies imposed on them by transport union workers, commonly known as Agberos.
The drivers, primarily minibus operators, lamented that the cumulative daily fees, which recently increased from N4,000 to N6,000, have exacerbated their financial hardships.
According to the drivers, the rise in fuel prices and vehicle parts costs has compounded their challenges. Moses Ademoyegun, a driver, expressed his frustration, stating, “The extortion from the Agberos has become unbearable. Bus stops where we used to pay N100 have now increased to N200, and those where we paid N500 have gone up to N700.” Ademoyegun highlighted the impact on his livelihood, “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.”
Another driver, Joseph, appealed to the state government to intervene, urging Governor Abiodun to persuade the union executives to stop imposing multiple levies. “We are facing a lot from the Agberos, who offer no benefits to the drivers. If you don’t pay them, they are ready to damage your vehicle. We are appealing to Governor Abiodun to intervene and put an end to this extortion,” Joseph said.
