In a decisive move to overhaul its transport revenue system, the Osun State Government has introduced a unified ticketing framework for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators across the state. The initiative is intended to curb extortion, prevent multiple levies, and plug revenue leakages.
The policy was unveiled in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Sesan Oyedele, following a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at the state secretariat in Osogbo.
Under the new system, commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, will pay a standard daily rate of ¦ 100, while tricycle (keke) operators will be charged ¦ 200. These rates will serve as the sole authorised fees for daily operations, replacing the previously inconsistent and often exploitative levies imposed by various agents.
Mr Oyedele stated that the reform is intended to bring structure and fairness to the transport sector, which has long been plagued by irregular charges and illegal revenue collection.
“This administration is fully committed to protecting our people from exploitation by unauthorised collectors,” the Commissioner said.
“We are working to strengthen Osun’s internally generated revenue through transparent systems, without compromising on fairness or accountability.”
He gave assurances that the government would enforce the new system in a manner that safeguards both state interests and the rights of operators. According to him, strict oversight mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that no transporter is unfairly treated or unduly burdened.
The meeting drew leaders from various transport unions, including the Chairman of the Okada Riders Association in Osun, Comrade Sikiru Ayobami, who welcomed the development. He commended the state government for taking a timely step to bring order to the sector.
“We appreciate the Commissioner for his intervention. As a union, we will continue to cooperate with the government and promote unity among our members,” Ayobami said.
He also pledged that the association’s leadership would enforce the new framework fairly and without bias, ensuring that all riders comply with the standardised ticketing policy.
Also present at the session were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Isiaka Yahaya, the Director of Transport Operations, Mr Ayodeji Oyewole, and other senior officials who reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the transport sector for long-term sustainability.
