Abuja: Tricycle (Keke) operators in the Karshi area of Abuja have expressed their dissatisfaction with the recent surge in ticket fees, which they claim is severely impacting their daily income. The operators voiced their concerns to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stating that the increased charges, coupled with rising fuel prices and other operational expenses, are making it challenging for them to sustain their livelihoods.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the tricycle operators have initiated a three-day strike in response to the recent hike in ticket fees. Mr. Kabiru Inusa, a keke operator, emphasized that the increase in ticket prices is a primary factor behind the strike. He explained that the fees, which were previously N200, have been abruptly raised to N500 by the union.
Inusa noted that the combination of elevated ticket fees and soaring fuel costs is overwhelming for the operators. “We pay for tickets at every park we enter, and this adds to our burden. This is why we stopped work and calling on the government to intervene,” he stated.
Similarly, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, another operator, highlighted that in addition to the increased ticket costs, the expenses associated with tricycle maintenance have also risen. Musa pointed out that the cost of spare parts and repairs has escalated, further reducing their profits and making it difficult to fulfill daily needs and support their families.
Adding to the operators’ grievances, Mr. Suleiman Danladi mentioned the harassment they face from some task force officials, which exacerbates their work stress. Danladi explained that operators are sometimes compelled to pay unjustified additional fees while on the road. He noted that the strike is not solely about ticket fees but also seeks fair treatment and improved working conditions for keke riders.
The situation took a turn for the worse following the arrest of their chairman, known as Ustaaz, as detailed by Mr. Idris Usman, another operator. Usman revealed that the chairman’s opposition to the high ticket fees and efforts to advocate for a reduction led to his arrest, further fueling the operators’ frustration. “Instead of the union to reason with him, they arrested him and this further angered us,” Usman remarked.
The operators have witnessed a steady increase in ticket fees over time, with charges rising from N100 to N200, and now ranging between N700 and N800 depending on the park. The operators find these escalating costs unbearable and have consequently appealed to the government to review the ticket charges and address their concerns, enabling them to resume work.