A major transport disruption is looming in Plateau State as commercial tricycle operators staged a massive protest at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) along Rayfield Road in Jos, accusing officials of extortion, arbitrary vehicle impoundment, and excessive taxation.
The protest, led by members of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria (TRAN), brought activities at the VIO office to a standstill as dozens of tricycles were parked along the road, with operators chanting and demanding urgent government intervention.
The demonstration, which began shortly after noon, quickly drew public attention as riders expressed long-standing frustrations over what they described as persistent harassment and financial exploitation by enforcement agencies.
Speaking during the protest, one operator identified as Manzo lamented the burden of multiple taxation, stating that riders are forced to pay over ₦6,000 for documentation, only to face additional charges of nearly ₦3,000 from other agencies.
“We are being taxed repeatedly. The burden is unbearable,” he said, adding that many operators are already struggling to meet daily loan repayments ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 while supporting their families.
Protesters also accused VIO officials of confiscating tricycles and imposing fines without due legal process.
According to them, operators are often compelled to pay varying amounts sometimes as high as ₦100,000 to recover impounded vehicles.
“We believe these actions are unconstitutional. There should be proper legal procedures and court involvement before penalties are imposed,” another rider stated.
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The operators further decried what they described as overlapping enforcement by multiple agencies, including the police, traffic wardens, civil defence, and road safety officials, all demanding the same documents.
“We no longer know who is truly responsible for inspection. Everyone stops us and demands papers,” a protester said.
Many riders emphasized that after expenses such as fuel, maintenance, loan repayments, and levies, little to nothing remains from their daily earnings, pushing them to the brink of economic collapse.
The protesters appealed directly to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, urging him to intervene by harmonising enforcement processes, addressing allegations of extortion, and ensuring fair and transparent
regulation of the transport sector.
They stressed that while they are not opposed to lawful regulation, enforcement must be humane, consistent, and in line with constitutional provisions.
Observers warn that if left unaddressed, the growing tension could escalate into a broader socio-economic crisis, especially among youths who depend heavily on tricycle operations for livelihood.
As of the time of filing this report, the Vehicle Inspection Office had not issued an official response to the allegations.
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