Operators of intra-city minibuses, known as Korope, in Osun State, Nigeria, protested in Osogbo over the rising cost of fuel and alleged mismanagement of daily ticket proceeds. The protest, which began early on Wednesday and ended around 2 pm, disrupted transport services along some routes in the state capital. Commuters were forced to trek to their destinations as the drivers parked their buses and prevented colleagues who declined to join the action from operating.
The drivers, under the Association of Korope Drivers, cited the rising cost of petrol, increased prices of spare parts, and food items as reasons for their protest. They claimed that their operations had become increasingly unprofitable due to these factors. A representative of the protesters, Abdulwasiu Osuolale, stated that the drivers were also unhappy with the mismanagement of daily ticket proceeds by their union leaders.
The protesters converged on Ayetoro Junction, where they parked their buses and prevented colleagues from operating. Osuolale said the drivers had resolved to increase fares on various routes within the state capital. He urged the government to investigate how proceeds from ticket sales were being utilized, alleging that some private individuals were keeping the proceeds instead of remitting them to government coffers.
The Association of Korope Drivers released a new fare structure, which indicated that passengers on shorter routes would now pay a flat fare of N300. Examples of routes with the N300 fare include Dagbolu 1 and 2 to Kobo, Ota-Efun to Stadium, and Oja-Oba to Garage Ilesha. Longer routes, such as Ota-Efun to Old Garage and Kobo to Owode-Ede, would attract fares of N500 and N1,200, respectively.
The fare increase affects various routes in the state capital, with some routes attracting fares of N400, N600, N700, N800, and N1,000. The drivers stated that the protest was a peaceful one, aimed at informing residents of the fare increase. They also called on the government to address the issue of mismanagement of ticket proceeds.
Emmanuel Olowu, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy, a civil society organization, commended the drivers for ensuring the protest did not disrupt public peace. Olowu stated that the drivers had the right to express their grievances in a democracy and that their demands for a fare increase due to high fuel costs and better management of ticket proceeds were legitimate.
The protest highlights the challenges faced by transport operators in Nigeria, particularly with regards to fuel price hikes and management of ticket proceeds. The Association of Korope Drivers' decision to increase fares and call for an investigation into ticket proceeds' management is a reflection of the difficulties faced by operators in the sector.
Key points
- Osun minibus drivers protest fuel price hike and alleged mismanagement of ticket proceeds.
- Drivers increase fares on various routes within the state capital.
- Government urged to investigate mismanagement of ticket proceeds.
