Operators of intra-city minibuses in Osun State, Nigeria, known as Korope, protested on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in Osogbo, over rising fuel costs and alleged mismanagement of daily ticket proceeds by their union leaders. The protest, which began early in the morning 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 these factors had made their operations increasingly unprofitable. A representative of the protesters, Abdulwasiu Osuolale, stated that the drivers were also unhappy with the alleged mismanagement of daily ticket proceeds by their union leaders. The drivers have resolved to increase fares on various routes within the state capital.
According to the new fare structure released by the Association of Korope Drivers, passengers on the shortest routes within the state capital will now pay a flat fare of N300. These routes include Dagbolu 1 and 2 to Kobo, Ota-Efun to Stadium, and Oja-Oba to Garage Ilesha, among others. The fare structure also indicates that passengers traveling on longer routes will pay higher fares, ranging from N400 to N1,200.
The protest was peaceful, and the drivers ensured that public peace was not disrupted. The Executive Director of the Socio-Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy, Emmanuel Olowu, commended the drivers for their approach. Olowu stated that the protest was a legitimate form of expressing grievances in a democracy. He also noted that the current system, where individuals collect ticket money without government control, cannot continue.
The drivers' union has fixed new fares for various routes, with the longest route, Kobo to Owode-Ede, attracting a fare of N1,200. Other routes, such as Ayetoro and Igbona to Owode-Ede, and Dagbolu 1 and 2 to Okefia and Old Garage, will now cost N700. The fare from Stadium to Owode-Ede was fixed at N800, while Ota-Efun to Owode-Ede and Owode-Ede to Bolanle and Dele Yes Sir will cost N1,000 per passenger.
The protest highlights the challenges faced by the transport sector in Nigeria, particularly with regards to fuel costs and the management of ticket proceeds. The drivers' demands for a review of the fare structure and better management of ticket proceeds are aimed at addressing these challenges. The government has been urged to investigate how proceeds from ticket sales are being utilized.
The new fare structure will affect thousands of commuters who rely on the minibus services daily. The drivers' protest and subsequent fare hike have significant implications for the state's transportation system and the economy. The government and stakeholders will need to engage with the drivers and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the challenges facing the transport sector.
Key points
- Minibus drivers in Osun State protest rising fuel costs and alleged mismanagement of ticket proceeds by union leaders.
- The drivers have increased fares across various routes in the state capital, ranging from N300 to N1,200.
- The protest highlights the challenges faced by the transport sector in Nigeria, particularly with regards to fuel costs and ticket proceeds management.
