Tricycle (keke) operators in Karshi, Abuja, have begun a three‑day strike to protest what they describe as an indiscriminate increase in ticket fees, a development that is threatening the livelihood of many drivers and the mobility of commuters.
The operators, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, said the new fees – raised from the longstanding ₦200 to ₦500 per park entry – are unsustainable when combined with soaring fuel prices and rising maintenance costs. “We pay for tickets at every park we enter, and this adds to our burden. This is why we stopped work and are calling on the government to intervene,” said Mr. Kabiru Inusa, a keke driver.
In addition to the ticket hike, drivers highlighted higher expenses for spare parts and repairs. Mr. Ibrahim Musa explained that the cost of maintaining tricycles has risen sharply, eroding profit margins and making it difficult for operators to meet daily expenses and support their families.
The grievances extend beyond financial pressures. Mr. Suleiman Danladi, another operator, reported instances of harassment by task‑force officials, who occasionally demand unjustified additional charges on the road. “The strike is not just about ticket fees, but also about fair treatment and better working conditions for keke riders,” he said.
Tensions escalated after the arrest of the operators’ union chairman, popularly known as Ustaaz. According to Mr. Idris Usman, the chairman had opposed the high ticket fees and advocated for a reduction. “Instead of the union reasoning with him, they arrested him, and this further angered us,” Usman stated. He added that ticket fees have risen progressively over the years – from ₦100 to ₦200, and now between ₦700 and ₦800 depending on the park – a level he deems unmanageable for operators.
The strike, which began on Tuesday, has disrupted commuter traffic in the capital. Commuters have appealed to both the drivers and authorities to resolve the dispute quickly, emphasizing the need for reliable, affordable transport. The operators have formally requested that the Federal Capital Territory administration review the ticket charges and address the broader issues affecting their work conditions.
Authorities have yet to issue a response, but the situation underscores growing pressure on informal transport operators in Nigeria’s urban centers. If unresolved, the protest could extend beyond the initial three days, further affecting mobility and economic activity in Abuja. Continued negotiations and a transparent review of fee structures appear crucial to restoring normal operations and preventing a prolonged disruption of public transport services.
