In response to the recent fuel price increase, the Association of Mini Buses (Korope) Drivers staged a peaceful protest in Osogbo, Osun state, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The drivers, who gathered at the Ayetoro roundabout, expressed their discontent with the rising fuel costs, citing its impact on their operations and the overall economic hardship faced by Nigerians. They announced an increase in bus fares across various routes in the state capital.
According to Abdulwasiu Osuolale, spokesperson for the drivers, the fuel price hike has exacerbated the economic struggles of Nigerians, and the transport union leadership is not adequately addressing their concerns. Osuolale emphasized that the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance has become unsustainable, prompting the protest. The drivers are demanding a review of the fuel price and better treatment from the transport union leadership.
The protesting drivers highlighted that the current fares are no longer viable, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods, cater to their families, and fulfill other financial obligations. Kamilu Oladipo, one of the drivers, stressed that the increased fuel costs have made it challenging for them to operate profitably. The drivers are seeking relief from the government to mitigate the effects of the fuel price hike.
Segun Adesola, another demonstrator, appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to take steps to check the arbitrary increase in petrol pump prices, which would benefit Nigerians collectively. The drivers' union has implemented new fares, with a flat rate of ₦300 for several short routes, including Dagbolu 1 & 2 to Kobo and Ota-Efun to Stadium.
The Association of Mini Buses (Korope) Drivers has released a list of new fares, which will apply to various routes in Osun. For ₦400, passengers will pay for routes such as Dagbolu to Ota-Efun and Testing Ground to Old Garage. The union fixed ₦500 for longer routes, including Ota-Efun to Garage and Old Garage to Ola-Iya to Abere.
Longer routes, such as Ayetoro, Igbona to Owode-Ede, and Dagbolu 1&2 to Okefia and Old Garage, will now cost ₦700. The most expensive route, Kobo to Owode-Ede, has been fixed at ₦1,200. The fare increase is a direct response to the rising fuel costs and the drivers' need to sustain their operations.
The fuel price hike has had a ripple effect on the transportation sector in Osun, with mini bus drivers bearing the brunt of the increased costs. The protest and subsequent fare increase highlight the challenges faced by Nigerians due to the rising fuel prices and the need for a more sustainable solution.
Key points
- Mini bus drivers in Osun protest fuel price hike, increase fares
- New fares range from ₦300 to ₦1,200, depending on the route
- Drivers cite unsustainable fuel costs and poor treatment from transport union leadership
