A major transport crisis may be looming in Plateau State following a massive protest by commercial tricycle operators who stormed the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) along Rayfield Road, Jos, accusing officials of extortion, arbitrary impoundment of vehicles, multiple taxation and actions they claimed were pushing many operators to the brink of economic collapse.

The angry riders, operating under the umbrella of the Tricycle Riders Association of Nigeria (TRAN), brought activities around the VIO office to a halt as they parked dozens of tricycles along the road leading to the facility and chanted protest songs to register their dissatisfaction with what they described as persistent harassment by enforcement officials.

The demonstration which commenced shortly after noon yesterday quickly attracted public attention as scores of operators gathered to voice frustrations they said had accumulated over several years.

For many observers, the protest was more than a routine demonstration. Rather, it exposed growing tensions within the transport sector and highlighted the deepening economic pressures confronting thousands of young people who depend on commercial tricycle operations for survival across Plateau State.

As the crowd swelled, one after another, the protesters stepped forward to narrate their experiences, painting a picture of hardship, uncertainty and what they described as excessive financial burdens imposed on operators already struggling to stay afloat amid the nation’s economic challenges.

One of the riders, identified simply as Manzo, lamented what he termed multiple taxation by various agencies, saying tricycle operators are subjected to numerous payments which continue to erode their daily earnings.

According to him, riders are required to pay thousands of naira for documentation and regulatory compliance, only to face additional charges from other agencies.

“We are paying more than ₦6,000 for some papers. Another agency still comes asking for additional payments of nearly ₦3,000. This is double taxation and the burden is becoming unbearable,” he alleged.

Manzo further explained that many commercial tricycle operators acquired their vehicles through loan arrangements and are under intense pressure to meet daily repayment obligations while supporting their families.

“Some of us pay between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000 daily as loan repayment. We have children in school, families to feed and many responsibilities. The economic pressure is simply too much,” he said.

As the protest gathered momentum, another rider accused VIO officials of imposing penalties and confiscating tricycles without due legal process.

The protesters alleged that operators are often compelled to pay various sums before recovering impounded vehicles, insisting that such actions violate constitutional principles.

“We are here to complain about the arbitrary impoundment of our tricycles and fines imposed without court orders. We believe this is unconstitutional. Citizens should be given the opportunity to defend themselves before any punishment is imposed,” he stated.

He further alleged that operators are made to pay varying amounts depending on circumstances surrounding their arrest.

“Sometimes they collect ₦5,000, sometimes ₦20,000, sometimes ₦23,000. There are cases where people pay as much as ₦100,000.The figures vary and many riders feel helpless,” he claimed.

The rider called on authorities to establish mobile courts and proper judicial mechanisms that would allow alleged offenders to receive fair hearings rather than being subjected to what he described as instant punishment.

“We are asking the government to return to constitutional order. Let there be proper legal procedures. If somebody commits an offence, let a competent court determine the punishment,” he added.

However, perhaps the most emotional account came from another protester who addressed journalists in both English and Hausa, expressing deep frustration over what he described as the degrading treatment meted out to commercial transport operators.

According to him, riders often feel abandoned and powerless despite complying with official requirements.

“Our complaint goes beyond what many people can imagine. A criminal sometimes receives more respect than we do. You may have all your vehicle documents complete, yet because of a minor issue, such as carrying another passenger or having a faulty brake light, you are arrested and fined ₦15,000 or more,” he alleged.

The rider questioned how ordinary transport operators battling economic hardship could afford such penalties.”Where is somebody supposed to get ₦15,000 or ₦20,000 from? If you cannot pay immediately, they seize your tricycle, insult you and send you away. We are asking for justice and fairness,” he said.

Beyond the issue of fines, the protesters also complained about what they described as overlapping enforcement activities by multiple agencies.

According to them, commercial operators are routinely stopped by various security and traffic agencies, all demanding to inspect the same set of documents.

“The police ask for our papers. The vigilantes ask for our papers. Traffic wardens ask for our papers. Civil Defence asks for our papers. Road Safety asks for our papers. VIO asks for our papers. We no longer know who is actually responsible for inspecting our documents,” one of the riders lamented.

The protesters argued that the cumulative effect of these encounters has created frustration among thousands of operators who rely solely on daily transportation business to survive.

They maintained that after servicing loans, repairing vehicles, purchasing fuel and meeting family obligations, little remains from their daily earnings.

“The burden has become too much. Sometimes what we earn in a day is consumed by repairs, levies and other expenses. Life is becoming increasingly difficult,” another rider said.

As the demonstration continued, the operators made a passionate appeal to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, urging him to personally intervene before the situation degenerates into a full-blown crisis.

The protesters warned that continued frustration among commercial transport operators could trigger wider social and economic consequences, particularly among unemployed youths who depend on the sector for livelihood.

They appealed to the governor to immediately investigate their allegations, harmonise enforcement procedures and establish clear guidelines that would protect both public safety and the rights of transport operators.

According to them, they are not opposed to lawful regulation of the transport sector but insist that enforcement must be transparent, humane and consistent with constitutional provisions.

With tensions visibly high during the protest, many observers believe the grievances raised by the riders require urgent attention from relevant authorities to prevent further escalation.

As at the time of filing this report, officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the protesters.