By Onome Oghenetega
Commercial motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) operators in Delta State embarked on a mass protest Tuesday, decrying a steep hike in their daily operational ticket and annual sticker fees.
The protest, which took place in key locations such as Warri, Uvwie, and Udu, caused widespread disruption of business activities, with many commuters left stranded and forced to walk long distances to their workplaces.
The operators are voicing their frustrations over the recent increases, which they say have placed a heavy financial burden on them amidst already difficult economic conditions.
According to reports from the protesting drivers, the daily ticket for tricycle operators has been raised from N400 to N1,000, a staggering 150% increase.
Meanwhile, the annual sticker fee for tricycle operators has jumped from N3,000 to N12,500, representing a more than 200% rise. Okada riders, too, are feeling the pressure, with their daily ticket now set at N400, up from the previous N200.
The fee hikes have sparked widespread outrage among the affected operators, who argue that the increases are unsustainable.
They called on the Delta State Government, specifically the Commissioner for Transport, to review and reverse the hikes.
In their protests, they highlighted the challenges they face in meeting basic family needs while dealing with rising maintenance costs for their vehicles.
One female resident from Udu shared her frustration, recounting her experience on the day of the protest. “I was actually surprised when I came out this morning and couldn’t find a bike,” she said.
“I had to walk a long distance with my two children, one on my back. It wasn’t until I found a friend that I learned what was happening. I want to join them in asking the State Government to reconsider the prices. It’s not easy for any of us”, she added.
It was, however, gathered that the N12,500 sticker fee for tricycle operators covers various costs, including an identity card, a waste basket, customized jackets, and profiling/revalidation services intended to curb insecurity.
Despite the explanation from the state government, operators argued that the fees are disproportionate and unfriendly, noting that they lack ability to pay, especially given the current state of the economy.
The Commissioner for Transport, Onoriode Agofure, was unavailable for comment at the time of filing this report.
Tensions are also rising within the protesting communities, as some operators have faced harassment from their colleagues for not participating in the protest.
