Kwara orders reversal of tricycle levy to ₦700

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of transport operators in the state, stressing the need for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence within the sector.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Press Secretary of the Ministry, Bakare Baliqees, and sighted by The PUNCH, the assurance was given by the Commissioner for Transportation, Lafia Korasabi, during a meeting with the leadership of the Tricycle

Owners Association of Nigeria at the ministry’s headquarters in Ilorin.

The meeting, according to the statement, was convened following reports that some ticket collectors were allegedly charging tricycle operators above the officially approved daily levy, a development that triggered complaints within the union.

Reacting to the development, the commissioner condemned the alleged overcharging and emphasised that adherence to agreed ticketing terms remains central to maintaining harmony in the transport system.

“Adherence to the agreed ticketing terms is central to maintaining harmony, fairness, and the welfare of all stakeholders within the transport sector,” Korasabi said.

He clarified that from the total daily ticket levy collected by the union, only ₦200 is remitted to the government through the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service.

Out of the total daily ticket levy being charged, only ₦200 accrues to the Kwara State Government through KWIRS. The government should not be wrongly accused of overcharging transport operators,” he stated.

The commissioner therefore directed that the daily ticket levy be reverted to the initially agreed ₦700 to prevent further discontent among operators.

“The daily ticket levy should be reverted to the initially agreed ₦700. Any arbitrary increase outside this agreement is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” he added.

He warned that any individual or group undermining the arrangement would face legal consequences.

“The government expects strict adherence from everyone involved, and any individual found undermining this arrangement will face the full consequences of the law.

“We call on all union leaders to guide their members towards compliance, ensuring discipline, fairness, and continued harmony within the transportation system,” the commissioner said.

He further cautioned that “any act of non-compliance is not only a violation of the agreement but also a threat to the peace and stability of the Kwara transport sector.”

Korasabi noted that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq places a high premium on the contributions of transport operators to the state’s economy and social cohesion.

“The AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration values the immense contributions of transport operators to our economy and social cohesion.

“We are committed to ensuring a fair operating environment that benefits both transporters and commuters,” he said.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Salau Kabiru Abdullahi, reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to fairness, transparency, and sustained collaboration with transport unions.

“Continued overcharging has created dissatisfaction among operators and could lead to avoidable unrest if not promptly addressed.

“Union leaders must call their members to order and ensure full compliance with the approved levy,” Abdullahi warned.

Culled from punch