Lagos state commercial bus drivers and conductors have organized a protest against the extortions by local touts, known as agberos. The demonstration occurred in the Alakuko/Oshodi-Toll Gate area of Lagos State on the morning of March 29.
The drivers and conductors expressed their frustration, stating that they no longer want agberos to operate in the state. The protest was sparked by an increase in taxes levied on them by the agberos, which has gone from N2,000 per day to N2,500 per day.
The protesters carried placards expressing their displeasure.
One of the placard reads: “We survive LASTMA, task force, agbero, & bad road every day.”
“Enough of agbero intimidation,” Another placard reads.
The drivers lamented that whenever they refuse to pay the exorbitant levies, the agberos proceed to destroy their vehicles.
They said they end up paying levies with all their gains and go home with next to nothing at the end of the day.
They called for a meeting with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and MC Oluomo, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Works for Lagos State Council.
Watch the protest below.