By: Abraham Chung
The Ondo state government has reviewed upwardly the ticketing system for commercial motorcyclists and Tricyclists in the state, from N150 to N500 in line with current economic reality.
The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Special Duties and Strategies, Comrade Gani Muhammed Ajowa, announced this on Tuesday in Akure at a meeting with key stateholders held at the Corporate Headquarters of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS).
According to the stakeholders, the adjustment aligns Ondo State with prevailing rates in the neighbouring states like Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, and Osun, where tickets exceed 1,000 Naira; “This change was necessary, it ensures fairness and transparency in revenue collection.”
The Special Adviser revealed that prior investigation uncovered irregularities, with agents charging 500 Naira while they only remitted 150 Naira to the government, hence the need to effect the new rate, effective immediately and aimed at standardizing pricing and eliminate exploitative practices.
On concerns about potential fare increases for passengers, the Government’s Representative assured that measures are in place to prevent undue hardship. “We are all in this together, Fare monitoring will be intensified to ensure affordability for the public.”
Gani Muhammed said the revised ticketing regime is expected to bolster revenue for infrastructure development while maintaining affordability in transportation.
In an interview with newsmen the Chairman of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service, (ODIRS), Mr. Adebayo Rojugbokan, pointed out that “the essence of this gathering is to formally inform riders across all states that ticket rates are being increased. Previously, the rate was 150 Naira, while in Lagos State, for instance, it was 1,003 Naira; In Ogun, the rate was 1,200 Naira; Edo 1,200 Naira; and Osun 700 Naira.
“Despite the increase in production costs, we maintained our rate at 150 Naira. However, we are now raising it to 500 Naira for all riders. For tricycles (Keke), the new charge will be 1000 Naira,” Rojugbokan said.
On collection strategies, the ODIRS Boss said, “the process will remain seamless, as it has been in the past. However, we are considering a new system, which we are not ready to disclose at the moment. Once finalized, it will be communicated to everyone, and they will appreciate its benefits.
“All revenue collected will go directly into the government’s treasury. These funds will be used for infrastructure and other developmental projects in addition to allocations from the federation account,” Mr Rojugbokan assured.
Riders and local government representatives, present at the meeting, expressed readiness to cooperate and implement the changes effectively.
