Motorcycle riders in Magboro, Mowe, Arepo, and other parts of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, have accused fee collectors of extortion and frequent harassment, warning that the situation is threatening their livelihoods.
The riders alleged they are forced to join multiple unions — including the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, the Articulate Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, and the Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Organisation — each imposing daily levies and annual charges for stickers and permits.
One rider, Eze Emeka, said he spends between N25,000 and N30,000 annually on permits and stickers, in addition to daily charges, without seeing any benefits. Another rider, Epe Samson, reported that the daily ticket fee recently rose to N800, with sticker and rider card prices also increased.
They appealed to the Ogun State Government to intervene, claiming some union members assault riders and force them to pay even on days they do not work. Efforts to reach the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Olugbenga Dairo, for comment were unsuccessful.
