Commercial Drivers Protest As Agberos Hike Levy

Commercial drivers in Ogun State have taken to the streets to protest a recent hike in daily union dues from N4,000 to N6,000, describing the increase as an additional strain on their already stretched finances.

The drivers, primarily operating in the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo axis in response to the new levy voiced their frustration saying it was illogical given the rising costs of operation amid surging fuel prices and the escalating price of vehicle parts.

“We simply cannot afford this increase,” lamented one of the protesting drivers. “We are barely surviving as it is, and this will only push us further into hardship.”

The protesters, most of whom are minibus operators known locally as “Korope” drivers, expressed their growing discontent with the daily financial demands from transport union officials, commonly referred to as “Agberos.” They highlighted that the combination of higher fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, and union levies has become unbearable.

In response to the outcry, the Ogun State chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) denied authorizing any formal hike in levies. According to the association’s state secretary, Tiwalade Akingbade, RTEAN was unaware of the increase.

“If anyone has raised the levies without proper authorization, it is illegal. We will investigate the matter thoroughly, and justice will be served,” Akingbade said.

He further assured that the association, which oversees 95 chapels and over 250 units across the state, would not tolerate any unauthorized levies and vowed to take appropriate action once the investigation is complete.

The protesting drivers are calling for an immediate reversal of the new levy and a reduction in the numerous levies imposed by transport union workers. They are also urging the government to address the problem of multiple checkpoints and extortion along major routes.

Many fear that without intervention, the financial burden may become too great to bear, affecting the livelihoods of drivers and the availability of affordable transportation in the region.
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