Tricycle operators in Damaturu, the capital city of Yobe State, have initiated an indefinite strike in protest against what they perceive as unjust practices by officials of the Yobe State Road Traffic Management Agency (YOROTA). This move has resulted in widespread disruption to commuters and businesses in the area.
The strike, which commenced recently, has paralyzed transportation services across Damaturu, leaving commuters stranded and businesses grappling with operational challenges. The Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association, Damaturu Branch, Mohammed Inusa, affirmed the commencement of the strike, revealing that it was undertaken unilaterally by the association’s members without formal approval.
“This morning we heard that our members have commenced strike, but we were not consulted prior to this action and this contravened our rules and regulations”, he said.
Inusa highlighted the primary grievance driving the strike, citing alleged extortion by officials of YOROTA as the catalyst for the drastic action. Tricycle operators have long voiced concerns about the purported exploitation they face at the hands of these officials, which they claim undermines their livelihoods and erodes their ability to sustain their businesses.
It has been reported that YOROTA is purportedly demanding daily fees from tricycle operators and requiring each rider to undergo new registration, with a penalty of N7,000 for non-compliance.
At the time of this report, tricycle operators were noticeably absent from main and side roads in the city, suggesting that the matter remains unresolved.
Attempts to contact YOROTA’s Public Relations Officer for clarification were unsuccessful.
