Commercial tricycle operators in Abuja have protested against alleged multiple daily ticket collections by transport unions along the Jabi-Life Camp axis, saying the charges are affecting their businesses.
The operators, popularly known as Keke Napep riders, said they were seeking a harmonised ticketing system to stop multiple payments and alleged harassment by ticket collectors.
The protest followed the launch of the Committee of Keke Napep Riders Abuja, Jabi Branch, on Sunday, November 1.
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Some operators alleged that union members, allegedly backed by security personnel, confronted drivers around Jabi on Monday over their refusal to pay a N500 ticket. They also claimed that some of the collectors carried weapons.
The riders further complained about the absence of welfare support, insurance and designated loading points, particularly around Life Camp junction.
However, the Financial Secretary of the Abuja Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Riders Association (ACOMORON), Jamilu Alhassan, said the association was not involved in the disputed collections or the alleged intimidation.
Speaking on behalf of the association’s chairman, Alhassan explained that although multiple ticket collections had been ongoing for years, the practice was not recognised by ACOMORON’s constitution.
He disclosed that drivers had previously complained about paying as much as N5,500 daily between Life Camp and Utako.
According to him, the collections were allegedly carried out by coalition chairmen who claimed the money was needed to provide security through the police.
Alhassan said he reported the matter to the association’s leadership, which later established a three-member committee to investigate the complaints.
He added that the coalition subsequently reduced the disputed charges from N2,000 to N1,000 and later to N500, depending on the amount previously collected from individual drivers.
He maintained that he refused to participate in the collections because they were unfair and not part of the association’s approved activities.
Alhassan explained that ACOMORON’s recognised charges included a N200 daily union ticket, N100 for garage booking and another N100 for related garage services.
He said the approved union ticket covered drivers throughout the day, while the proceeds were used for members’ welfare and compensation for those involved in accidents.
The financial secretary also disclosed that the association had stopped operating along the expressway because the multiple charges imposed on drivers made the route too expensive.
He, however, expressed ACOMORON’s willingness to work with the newly established committee to introduce a unified payment system, although he argued that N100 daily would not be enough to cover welfare and security expenses.
He also denied claims that ACOMORON members participated in Monday’s alleged confrontation, insisting that the association’s drivers did not operate along the disputed route that day.
Meanwhile, the protesting operators said they wanted one daily ticket that would cover all collection points along the route instead of making separate payments in the morning and evening.
They also questioned how the money collected was being used, claiming that drivers received little assistance during accidents and other emergencies.
The committee further complained that the absence of designated loading and parking spaces at Life Camp junction forced drivers to stop along the road, exposing them to possible sanctions from traffic officials.
The operators called on government authorities and transport union leaders to address the disputed collections, provide proper loading points and ensure transparency in the management of all approved levies.
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