Skip to main content

The Traffic NG

  • info@thetraffic.ng
  • 7 Nasir El Rufai Crescent, Guzape
THE TRAFFIC NG LOGO
THE TRAFFIC NG LOGO
ADVERTISE WITH US
AYDM

The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has urged governors of the six South-West states to overhaul the public and private transport sectors, alleging that the region loses about N50bn monthly to illegal levies imposed on commercial motorists by transport cartels.

The group said the transport sector, which it estimated generates about N1bn daily across the region, was being undermined by poor management, corruption, lack of transparency and alleged extortion by some transport union officials.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, the pan-Yoruba organisation described the region’s transport system as outdated, warning that the deteriorating quality of intra-state and inter-state services was imposing hardship on commuters and businesses.

It called on the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states to take coordinated action against illegal collections, intimidation and violence associated with transport union activities at motor parks, garages, bus stops and along major roads.

According to AYDM, the activities of some transport operators and union officials have increased the cost of public transportation, with the additional expenses ultimately passed on to commuters, traders and consumers through higher fares and the prices of food and other essential commodities.

The group warned that the Federal Government’s efforts to ease the cost-of-living crisis could be undermined if commercial motorists continued to face multiple unauthorised charges despite interventions aimed at reducing transportation costs.

READ ALSO: FRSC Warns Social Media Distraction Could Trigger Road Crashes

It acknowledged recent government measures, including discounted fuel prices and other interventions announced through the Federal Ministry of Finance, but argued that such initiatives would deliver limited benefits if their gains were absorbed by illegal collections.

AYDM said the South-West governors needed to recognise that reducing fuel prices alone would not sufficiently lower transport costs unless the burden of unauthorised levies imposed on commercial drivers was addressed.

The organisation also challenged road transport unions operating across the region to explain the public value provided in exchange for the numerous charges collected from motorists.

It argued that while transport unions had legitimate roles in representing their members and promoting workers’ welfare, responsibilities such as constructing public roads, maintaining highways and developing government-owned motor parks principally rested with public authorities.

The group maintained that all government-approved charges must have clear legal backing, be transparently administered and be paid into appropriate public revenue channels.

It added that private union dues should also be lawful, clearly defined and properly accounted for.

AYDM expressed concern over reports of motorists being subjected to repeated collections by different individuals and groups without proper receipts, clear legal authority or demonstrable services.

It urged the state governments to audit transport-related levies, publish approved charges, abolish illegal collections and prosecute individuals found engaging in extortion, intimidation or violence.

The organisation, however, clarified that it recognised the constitutional freedom of association and the right of transport workers to organise themselves into unions and professional associations.

It said its objection was not to the existence of transport unions but to practices allegedly involving the coercive control of public spaces, unauthorised collections and the harassment of motorists.

AYDM therefore called for comprehensive reforms to remove union officials from the routine enforcement of charges and the exercise of coercive control over motor parks, garages, bus stops and public roads.

It proposed that transport unions should concentrate on legitimate activities, including workers’ welfare, representation, advocacy and professional development, while the management of public motor parks, regulation of transport operations and collection of government-approved fees should remain with authorised public agencies or properly regulated operators.

The group also urged the governors to review existing arrangements that allow union participation in motor park management to eliminate conflicts of interest, illegal levies, intimidation and monopolistic practices.

It stressed that any reform should respect due process, workers’ rights and the legitimate interests of transport operators.

Among its recommendations, AYDM called for the establishment of accessible complaint channels through which motorists, traders and passengers could report extortion and harassment without fear of reprisals.

It also urged the governments to publish official schedules of approved transport-related charges, identify authorised collecting agencies and specify the channels through which payments should be made.

The organisation further advocated stricter enforcement of the law against individuals found collecting illegal levies, using violence or impersonating authorised officials, irrespective of their affiliations.

It said the state governments should work with transport operators and consumer-protection agencies to ensure that reductions in fuel costs and the removal of illegal charges translated into reasonable fares and lower distribution costs for essential commodities.

AYDM warned that failure to address illegal transport collections could weaken the impact of the Federal Government’s economic interventions at the grassroots.

It noted that commuters, farmers, market women, artisans, small businesses and low-income households would continue to bear the consequences of high transportation costs, particularly as they already devote a significant proportion of their earnings to mobility and basic necessities.

The group said transport-sector reform should therefore be treated as an integral part of the South-West’s economic development and social welfare agenda.

It argued that reducing transportation costs would improve access to markets, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, lower the cost of distributing food and other commodities, support small businesses and strengthen household purchasing power.

AYDM stressed that the issue went beyond disagreements between governments and transport unions, describing it as a matter of public interest, economic justice and the protection of citizens from avoidable financial burdens.

The Traffic NG
AYDM
Afusat Adebayo
The Traffic NG

Categories

Search
Recent Post
priest
Ecuadorian Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls On
  • October 19, 2026
  • 3 min read
police
Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Rape In
  • October 19, 2026
  • 2 min read
Police
Rivers Police Remove Abuloma DPO Over Cultists’
  • October 19, 2026
  • 3 min read
    Featured Videos
    All Tags
    ADC AFCON Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Aliko Dangote Anthony Joshua APC Atiku Abubakar aviation CBN Court Customs Dangote EFCC FIFA First Lady First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu FRSC Gov. Hope Uzodimma Governor Hope Uzodimma INEC JAMB Lagos Lionel Messi NDLEA Nigeria NSC Nyesom Wike NYSC Oil PDP Peter Obi Police President Bola Ahmed Tinubu President Bola Tinubu Senate Senator Oluremi Tinubu sports Sunday Dare Super Eagles Super Falcons Taiwo Oyedele Troops United Nigeria Airlines Vice President Kashim Shettima Victor Osimhen

    Related Posts

    NRC
    Transportation
    NRC Denies Ticket Racketeering Allegations on Abuja-Kaduna Route
    CIOTA
    Transportation
    CIOTA Seeks Transport Supervisors in Local Councils
    Sultanate
    Transportation
    Sultan Seek Data-Driven Strategies to Curb Road Crashes
    Lai Mohammed
    Transportation
    Lai Mohammed Visits NRC Legacy Museum, Urges Sustained Railway Development

    © 2025. All rights reserved  - Developed by ICS.