Members of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers have raised concerns over what they described as the imposition of unsustainable ticketing practices by the Tricycle and Motorcycle Caretaker Committee.

Speaking with PUNCH Metro on Monday, several operators lamented that they were being compelled to buy daily tickets at exorbitant rates and in quantities far beyond what their operations could justify, a situation they claimed was driving them into debt.

According to the aggrieved members, the current economic reality, coupled with a reduction in the number of motorcycles and tricycles operating daily, has made it practically impossible to meet the mandatory ticket quotas.

“The number of tickets being forced on us daily is just not realistic,” said Alani Olabanji, a member of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria, under the NURTW at Ojodu Berger.

“Some motorcycles don’t run full days, and many tricycles only come out in the afternoon or evening. Yet, we’re being made to pay for full-day tickets,” he wailed.

Olabanji added that the situation contradicted the expectations members had when the new state chairman, Alhaji Adekunle Mustapha, (popularly known as Sego), took office.

“We welcomed Alhaji Sego’s leadership with relief after the hardship inflicted by the previous administration. We don’t believe he is fully aware of what this committee is doing in his name.

“We love him and support his reforms, but these people are making life unbearable for us. If he truly wants to end our suffering, he must act now,” he said.

Another TOOAN member operating under Zone E in Ikorodu, Tajudeen Abana, echoed similar sentiments.

“This system isn’t delivering the change Alhaji Sego promised.

“The committee they introduced is extorting members, and this kind of exploitation is not only unjust but could also pose serious problems for political mobilisation efforts in Lagos,” Abana said.

Abana expressed fear that the current trajectory might lead to a repeat of what he called the “oppressive leadership style” of the past.

“Many of us are afraid to speak up because of threats and the risk of losing our means of livelihood. But across all zones of TOOAN in Lagos, the consensus is clear: something urgent must be done.

“We are dying silently. Alhaji Adekunle Mustapha Sego, please, we need help now,” he said.

The union members alleged that the current policy was introduced without proper consultation, despite promises made during the inauguration of new leadership that members’ welfare would be prioritised.

They called on the state chairman to urgently review the ticketing system and ensure transparency, fairness, and a return to policies that support, rather than oppress, transport workers. (PUNCH)