OSOGBO — Commercial mini-bus drivers in Osogbo staged a protest on Wednesday over the recent surge in petrol prices, disrupting traffic around the Olaiya Flyover. The demonstration, which involved drivers parking their vehicles in protest, temporarily halted the movement of passengers in the area, causing significant gridlock.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), one of the drivers, Mr. Ajayi Fatai, explained that rising fuel costs have made current fares unsustainable. “We cannot continue to collect N200 per trip as before. Fuel now costs between N1,250 and N1,500, and spare parts have also increased. It is therefore logical to review intracity transport fares,” he said.
Another driver, Mr. Mufutau Ajani, added that government-imposed daily ticket charges further strain their operations, stressing that fare adjustments are necessary to offset rising costs. He appealed to commuters for understanding as the drivers seek to maintain viable business operations.
Police officers and officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were present during the protest to ensure order. The drivers eventually dispersed, allowing normal traffic and business activities to resume.
The protest highlights growing concerns among transport operators about the sustainability of current fare structures amid escalating operational expenses.
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