Anambra's tricycle operators are facing increasing financial pressures due to a combination of excessive taxation and daily extortion, threatening their livelihoods. The Anambra Keke Drivers Forum (AKDF) recently urged Governor Charles Soludo to address these escalating challenges, which they claim have become unsustainable. Drivers report being subjected to numerous unofficial levies and harassment from various agents, significantly cutting into their earnings.
The AKDF highlighted a concerning trend where drivers are forced to pay multiple taxes that are often not accounted for. "We are being suffocated by the weight of these taxes and daily extortion," stated Chijioke Nwafor, the forum's president. He emphasized the urgent need for reform and transparency in the revenue collection processes that govern their operations.
In light of these grievances, the AKDF's appeal could serve as a catalyst for broader discussions on transportation policy and regulatory frameworks in Anambra. As these drivers continue to advocate for their rights, the response from local authorities will be critical in determining not only their immediate futures but also the overall health of the state's transport sector.