Minibus drivers, known as ‘Korope’ drivers, are unhappy. They are upset about the many fees they have to pay to transport union workers, called ‘agberos’.
On Tuesday, these drivers who work along the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo areas of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway went to the Ministry of Transportation in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta to complain.
DAILY POST saw the drivers singing songs together and holding signs. Their signs said things like “Korope drivers say no to multiple tickets”, “Governor Abiodun come to our aid”, “Say no to extortion”, and “Agberos are killing us with multiple levies”.
The drivers said that because they have to pay so many fees, it’s tough for them to make money, especially with how hard life is right now. Abiodun Owolabi, who speaks for the drivers, told DAILY POST that they have to buy around eight tickets every day, which costs about N8,000.
Owolabi said, “We have a lot of complaints. One big problem is the ticket prices going up all the time. We have to buy these tickets at almost every bus stop or every kilometer. From Mowe to Arepo or Simawa is about 10 kilometers, and we have to buy around eight tickets. Add in the loading fees and other charges, and we spend about N7,000 to N8,000 every day. With the new price increases, it’s more like N10,000 to N11,000. We earn very little, but we have to pay a lot, so we’re not making enough money.”
The drivers say that when they ask the ‘agberos’ about the fees, they are told it’s the Ministry of Transportation’s orders, which is why they are protesting. Owolabi added, “It’s frustrating because the tickets are often torn in four, and we have proof of this. The economy is tough, and when we complain, they say it’s because of the Ministry. That’s why we’re here today. They say the governor ordered the increase.”
Moses Prosper, another driver, said the price hikes have caused him to lose his job. He begged Governor Dapo Abiodun to help. Prosper said, “We even have to pay N200 each day for the markers they use. They also take money for the ‘king of boys’ and the ‘chairman card’. It’s really bad. My boss took my vehicle away because I couldn’t keep up with the payments. My children are in school, and I can’t even buy their books. I’m working very hard but making very little. Please, Governor Dapo Abiodun and Ministry of Transportation, help us. The agberos are making it too hard for us.”
The drivers want just one ticket that covers their whole trip. They believe Governor Dapo Abiodun can help make this happen. They said, “We know only the government can help us. We don’t want to become troublemakers. We want the governor to stop these high charges and if possible, take the agberos off the roads.”
An official from the ministry talked to the drivers. He told them to write a letter to the commissioner about their complaints. The official said he wasn’t allowed to speak for the ministry but promised that the commissioner would look into their issues if they wrote formally.