A major transport crisis may be looming in Plateau State following a massive protest by commercial tricycle operators who stormed the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) along Rayfield Road, Jos. The operators accused officials of extortion, arbitrary impoundment of vehicles, and multiple taxation, actions they claimed were pushing many to the brink of economic collapse.
Protest Details
The angry riders, operating under the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria (TRAN), brought activities around the VIO office to a halt. They parked dozens of tricycles along the road leading to the facility and chanted protest songs to register their dissatisfaction with what they described as persistent harassment by enforcement officials.
The demonstration, which commenced shortly after noon yesterday, quickly attracted public attention as scores of operators gathered to voice frustrations accumulated over several years. For many observers, the protest exposed growing tensions within the transport sector and highlighted deepening economic pressures confronting thousands of young people who depend on commercial tricycle operations for survival across Plateau State.
Operators' Grievances
As the crowd swelled, protesters stepped forward to narrate their experiences. One rider, identified as Manzo, lamented multiple taxation by various agencies. He said operators pay thousands of naira for documentation and regulatory compliance, only to face additional charges from other agencies.
"We are paying more than ₦6,000 for some papers. Another agency still comes asking for additional payments of nearly ₦3,000. This is double taxation and the burden is becoming unbearable," he alleged. Manzo further explained that many operators acquired vehicles through loans and face intense pressure to meet daily repayment obligations while supporting families. "Some of us pay between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000 daily as loan repayment. We have children in school, families to feed, and many responsibilities. The economic pressure is simply too much," he said.
Arbitrary Impoundment and Fines
Another rider accused VIO officials of imposing penalties and confiscating tricycles without due legal process. Protesters alleged operators are often compelled to pay various sums before recovering impounded vehicles, insisting such actions violate constitutional principles.
"We are here to complain about the arbitrary impoundment of our tricycles and fines imposed without court orders. We believe this is unconstitutional. Citizens should be given the opportunity to defend themselves before any punishment is imposed," he stated. He alleged operators pay varying amounts depending on circumstances, sometimes ₦5,000, ₦20,000, ₦23,000, or as much as ₦100,000. The rider called on authorities to establish mobile courts and proper judicial mechanisms for fair hearings.
Emotional Appeals
The most emotional account came from a protester who addressed journalists in English and Hausa, expressing deep frustration over degrading treatment. "Our complaint goes beyond what many people can imagine. A criminal sometimes receives more respect than we do. You may have all your vehicle documents complete, yet because of a minor issue, such as carrying another passenger or having a faulty brake light, you are arrested and fined ₦15,000 or more," he alleged.
The rider questioned how operators battling economic hardship could afford such penalties. "Where is somebody supposed to get ₦15,000 or ₦20,000 from? If you cannot pay immediately, they seize your tricycle, insult you, and send you away. We are asking for justice and fairness," he said.
Overlapping Enforcement
Protesters also complained about overlapping enforcement by multiple agencies. Operators are routinely stopped by police, vigilantes, traffic wardens, Civil Defence, Road Safety, and VIO, all demanding to inspect the same documents. "We no longer know who is actually responsible for inspecting our documents," one rider lamented. They argued the cumulative effect has created frustration among thousands who rely on daily transportation to survive. After servicing loans, repairing vehicles, purchasing fuel, and meeting family obligations, little remains from daily earnings.
Appeal to Governor
Operators made a passionate appeal to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, urging him to intervene before the situation degenerates into a full-blown crisis. They warned that continued frustration could trigger wider social and economic consequences, particularly among unemployed youths who depend on the sector for livelihood. They appealed for investigation of allegations, harmonisation of enforcement procedures, and establishment of clear guidelines to protect public safety and operators' rights. They stated they are not opposed to lawful regulation but insist enforcement must be transparent, humane, and consistent with constitutional provisions.
As at the time of filing this report, VIO officials had not publicly responded to the allegations.
