In the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo axis of Ogun State, commercial drivers staged a protest against the exorbitant and arbitrary levies imposed by transport union workers, commonly known as “Agberos.” These levies have caused severe financial strain on the drivers, with some describing the fees as overwhelming and unbearable.
The drivers complained that the daily charges, which they must pay regardless of their earnings, include multiple levies for loading, booking, and park tickets. These payments, according to the drivers, often consume the bulk of their income, leaving them with little to cover fuel, repairs, and personal earnings. Many drivers reported instances where refusal to pay results in violent reprisals from the union workers, such as damage to their vehicles, further exacerbating their financial woes.
The protests not only disrupted traffic but also left many commuters stranded, highlighting the deep frustration among the drivers who feel they are being unfairly exploited by these levies. Despite previous efforts by the state government and unions to regulate these fees, the drivers claim that enforcement remains harsh and exploitative.
This protest is part of a broader pattern seen across parts of Nigeria, where drivers in states like Lagos have also taken to the streets to demand an end to what they perceive as extortion. The ripple effect of these levies often impacts the general cost of transportation and goods, placing a heavier burden on commuters and the wider economy.
Efforts to address these grievances are ongoing, with drivers calling for an urgent review of the system to reduce the financial hardship caused by the current levies. However, the protest highlights ongoing tension between the drivers and transport union enforcers in many Nigerian cities.
