Commercial drivers in Benin, the capital of Edo State, blocked several major roads on Tuesday to express their dissatisfaction with the state government’s new colour code and ticket fees.
The drivers said the government was insensitive to their plight and demanded more time to comply with the new regulations.
The drivers, who came out in large numbers, obstructed the traffic on Sapele Road, Ring Road, Ugbowo Road, Aduwawa, First East Circular Road, and Akpapava. They said the government gave them short notice to paint their vehicles with the new colour code and pay higher ticket fees.
One of the drivers, Samuel Omoriege, who graduated from Auchi Polytechnic, said he resorted to driving because of unemployment. He appealed to the government to give them six months before enforcing the new rules.
“We are not refusing to pay, but the notice is too short. Government should consider the current economic situation. We need time to raise money for the code and painting,” he said.
Another driver, James Akpotarie, said the government’s recent revenue policies were unfair to transport workers. He said the government increased the daily ticket fee from N600 to N1800, except for Sunday when they pay N800.
“Why is the government charging us on Sunday if not to inflict more suffering on us? We urge Governor Godwin Obaseki to reverse the anti-people policy and restore peace and order,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Transportation, Mr Washington Abbe, addressed the protesters and assured them that he would relay their request to the governor. He also promised that all the vehicles seized by the task force would be released.
