Osogbo minibus drivers protest rising fuel costs

Commercial minibus drivers in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, staged a protest on Wednesday over the rising cost of petrol, arguing that current transport fares are no longer sustainable

The drivers parked their vehicles around the Olaiya Flyover, preventing other minibuses from picking up passengers as part of the demonstration.

The action caused heavy traffic congestion in the area, leaving commuters stranded for hours before normal activities later resumed.

Drivers say rising fuel prices are hurting operations

Some of the protesting drivers said the increase in petrol prices has significantly raised the cost of running their vehicles, leaving them with little profit at the end of the day.

Ajayi Fatai, one of the drivers involved in the protest, said many operators now spend most of their daily earnings on fuel.

He explained that drivers could no longer maintain the existing intracity fare structure because operating costs had increased sharply.

According to him, the protest was meant to draw attention to the situation and push for a review of transport fares across the city.

Drivers noted that while they previously charged around N200 for short-distance trips within the city, the current cost of petrol, ranging between N1,250 and N1,500 per litre, makes the fare unsustainable.

Drivers also cite rising operational costs

Another driver, Mufutau Ajani, said fuel prices were not the only challenge facing operators.

He pointed out that the cost of vehicle spare parts had also increased significantly, further adding pressure on transport businesses.

Ajani also complained about the daily ticket charges imposed by local authorities, which he said further reduced drivers’ earnings.

Fuel price hike pushes transport fares up by 10% in Enugu

According to him, adjusting transport fares is the only way drivers can cope with the rising costs and continue operating their services.

He appealed to residents and commuters to understand the drivers’ situation and support a review of fares to reflect the current economic realities.

During the protest, personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The demonstration eventually ended peacefully, after which the drivers dispersed and normal transport activities resumed in the area.