By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The Oyo State House of Assembly has expressed concern over the alarming surge in illegal revenue collection, multiple stickers, and harassment of commercial drivers, tricyclists, and motorcyclists across the state, vowing to take informed steps to protect the rights and welfare of these critical operators in the transport sector.
The motion, titled “Need to Curb Illegal Revenue Collection, Multiple Stickers, and Harassment of Commercial Drivers, Tricyclists, and Motorcyclists in Oyo State,” was presented during the last plenary. It was moved by the Speaker and co-sponsored by four other lawmakers.
Lawmakers who highlighted the vital role of these commercial transporters noted that, aside from statutory state-imposed levies totaling N10,500 and a daily ticket of N300, which is meant to cover operational levies, commercial drivers are compelled to face illegal roadblocks, arbitrary collection of additional stickers, extortion, threats, and even physical harassment by individuals posing as government agents or park officials.
They further noted that unauthorized levies reportedly range from N2,500 to N5,000 and are often imposed without receipts or accountability.
In a series of resolutions, the Assembly expressed concern about the drivers’ unfortunate ordeal, adding that these illegal practices expose drivers, commercial motorcyclists, and tricyclists to economic hardship and physical risk.
They emphasized that unless urgent harmonization of transport-related stickers and daily tickets is implemented, the menace will persist across the state.
Meanwhile, the House adopted the resolutions in the motion, urging the Executive Arm of Government to harmonize all transport-related revenue systems and collections into a single, universally recognized framework. They called for the publication and gazetting of the harmonized ticketing system and for enforcement of compliance through the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Agency (OYRTMA) and security agencies.
They further called for the dismantling of illegal roadblocks, the prosecution of offenders, and collaboration with drivers’ unions and park management authorities to protect the rights of commercial operators.
The motion also tasked the Assembly’s Committees on Transport, Finance, Appropriation, and State Economic Planning to liaise with relevant ministries, agencies, and drivers’ associations to ensure the full implementation of the harmonized system.
