Osun minibus operators protest high fuel price, demand CNG stations
OSOGBO, Osun State — Commercial minibus operators in Osogbo, known locally as Korope, are seeking immediate governmental intervention in response to soaring petrol prices and a lack of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations. They argue that these factors are severely straining their businesses.
On Wednesday, the operators staged a peaceful protest at Ayetoro, temporarily withdrawing their vehicles from the roads to highlight the challenges they face in running commercial transport services amid rising operational costs.
The drivers reported that the combination of escalating petrol prices, expensive spare parts, and increasing household expenses has significantly diminished their daily earnings, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their businesses.
Adewumi Adeleke, one of the protesters, noted that some drivers spend as much as ₦40,000 on petrol each day, leaving them with negligible income after covering other essential operational costs. “How could you be running this business, spending about ₦40,000 on fuel a day, and when you get home, all you see is just ₦5,000 or ₦3,000?” he said, highlighting the unsustainable nature of their current situation.
Adeleke called on both the Federal Government and the Osun State Government to expedite the establishment of CNG facilities in Osogbo, suggesting that access to cheaper fuel alternatives could alleviate financial pressures on operators. He indicated that many minibus drivers are willing to convert their vehicles to run on CNG but require government support to make the transition affordable.
The protest aimed to raise awareness about the difficulties transport operators face, with a warning that continued inaction could lead to a prolonged withdrawal of services.
Another driver, Prince Olakunle Ojo, echoed Adeleke’s sentiments, arguing that high fuel prices have made it challenging for drivers to achieve substantial earnings. He described a scenario where a driver might spend around ₦15,000 on petrol, yet only earn about ₦13,000 in total revenue that day, making it hard to meet personal and vehicle maintenance needs.
Ojo also expressed concerns about the lack of CNG infrastructure in Osun State, stating, “There is no single station in Osun State. Many people who have CNG in their vehicles are just keeping it there because Osun does not have any station we can point to.”
The operators are also advocating for a review of transport fares to better reflect current petrol prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and other related expenses. Ariyo Idowu, another driver, highlighted the increasing difficulties of operating under the present economic conditions, noting the rising costs associated with vehicle maintenance and family responsibilities. He urged the improvement of designated bus stops in Osogbo to facilitate better commercial operations and passenger movement.
The drivers threatened a week-long strike if their concerns are not addressed, emphasizing the need for dialogue with both the government and transport unions.
The protest underscores ongoing challenges for transport operators in light of rising fuel costs and wider economic pressures affecting public transportation in the region.
