0pen Letter To His Excellency,
RT Hon Sheriff OBOREVWORI,
The Governor of Delta State
Dennis Osadebey House Asaba
Title: Delta Keke Levy Protest: Too Much Burden On The Stricken Child
In a time of unprecedented economic hardship, like we are currently experiencing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where the average Nigerian grapples with the high cost of food, transportation, and basic utilities, the people of Delta State—particularly those in the informal transport sector deserve not to suffocated . The reality as of today is that they are being dealt with another another fatal blow. The recent introduction of an outrageous N12,000 levy for commercial tricycle (Keke) operators, up from the previous N 2500 to N3500 is not only shocking but morally and economically indefensible by the ruling class Who controls the political gates and the economic corridors.
From Warri to Uvwie, Udu to Sapele, Ughelli to Isoko,the streets in the past two weeks became grounds for protest and resistance, as Keke riders— struggling to survive—took to voicing their frustrations. Their voices was loud, the anger was real, and the message was clear: enough is enough, we are dying gradually under the weight of economic crunches of unfriendly policies purportedly backed by official seal.
Your Excellency, this unexpected
and astronomical increase in Keke levies smacks of insensitivity and poor timing. The tricycle operators are one of the most affected categories by the failing Nigeria’s economy. With daily ticketing, rising fuel prices, multiple “unofficial” fees, with other forms of economic bills, they are barely hanging on. Adding a 300% increase in levies is akin to beating a child already stricken, hungry, barefooted, and clutching his belly in agony due to too much burden.
Who Truly Benefits?
One of the most disturbing elements of this situation is the increasing suspicion that these levies are not being funneled into government coffers for developmental purposes. Instead, there is strong public perception—and in some cases, credible reports—that these funds end up in private pockets, enriching a few at the expense of the government and good people of Delta State.
The media, civil society groups, and a growing number of concerned citizens have questioned the legality and morality of these levies. Even senior journalists and opinion leaders have pointed fingers at the shadowy figures allegedly behind this exploitative policy. If these collections were indeed authorized by the state, where are the receipts? Where is the evidence of improved package, better regulation, or any form of Social support to the Keke riders who pay these fees in form of a well organized cooperative that can promote small businesses of their Spouse or wives.?
A Boiling Point in the Streets
The recent protests by Keke operators in Warri, Uvwie, Udu and surrounding areas did not erupt in a vacuum. They are the result of systemic neglect and the unbearable weight of extortion masked as government policy. Tricycle riders are not criminals. They are fathers, mothers, youths, and hustlers striving to earn a clean living in a country where jobs are few and opportunities are shrinking. They deserve empathy, not economic suffocation.
For many of them, the difference between paying this new levy and feeding their families is clear. It is not just unaffordable—it is unjust.
A Call for Responsive Leadership
The time has come for the Delta State Government, particularly the Ministry of Transport to intervene swiftly. A transparent investigation should be launched to uncover the origin, legality, and beneficiaries of this levy. All illegal tolling and taxation of commercial tricycle operators must be halted immediately for the good of the government and good people of Delta State. As a voice in the middle course I would suggest that they should pay N5,000 and the system should be operated with the dignity it deserve.
Rather than overburdening these hardworking citizens, government should focus on policies that will uplift and support them. Offer soft loans for tricycle maintenance, subsidize ticketing, and implement a digital tracking system that ensures accountability for every naira paid.
Conclusion: Compassion Over Extortion
No society can grow when its people are impoverished, extorted, and pushed to the wall. There is truly no need to beat a stricken child—because any one who, is in his weakened state, but still trying to carry the weight and the burden of an entire economy on his shoulders is on a sure route to Golgotha.
From the prism of an unbiased umpire we concurred that the levy hike amid economic hardship is anathema . Those Who conceptualized it lacked mercy for the struggling populace which forms the community of Keke riders.
Your Excellency, you have acknowledged repeatedly in so many fora that government is not just about power; it is about responsibility. The Managers of the Keke operators indeed should know that responsibility is exercised with compassion, wisdom, and Justice.
Thanks and God bless
Long Live Delta State
Yours faithfully,
Comrade Wilson Macaulay:
Development Advocate & Public Affairs Commentator
Warri, Delta State Nigeria
April 8, 2025
