Commercial drivers in the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo areas of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State, staged a protest on Monday against what they described as excessive levies imposed by transport union workers, commonly referred to as Agberos.
The protesting drivers, primarily minibus operators, known locally as Korope drivers, claimed they had been paying N4,000 daily as union fees, but on Monday, the amount was abruptly increased to N6,000. They also expressed frustration over rising fuel prices and the high cost of vehicle spare parts, which they said had worsened their financial struggles.
In response, the leadership of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ogun State denied any knowledge of the increased levies.
RTEAN’s State Secretary, Tiwalade Akingbade, stated that the association had not approved any levy hike for commercial drivers across its 95 chapels and over 250 units in the state.
“If such an action has been taken by anyone, it is illegal. We will investigate and ensure justice is served,” Akingbade assured.