Minibus Drivers Block Roads in Calabar Over ₦700 Daily Ticket Fees

Calabar commuters faced massive traffic disruption today as minibus drivers blocked key roads across the city, including Etagbo near the UNICAL main gate, Mary Slessor Roundabout by Total, Stadium Roundabout, Mobil Roundabout, and Etagbo Roundabout.

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The drivers staged the protest to express frustration over increased ticketing fees and general taxation under the current state administration.

Drivers argue that the daily ticketing fees, which now stand at ₦700 per vehicle, are unreasonably higher than under the previous government, which charged ₦400 per vehicle.

They claim the hike adds financial strain on operators, especially small-scale minibus owners who rely on daily earnings to sustain operations.

Additional grievances highlighted by the drivers include:

1. Perceived excessive taxation for commercial transport operators
2. Daily fee collection without visible improvements in road infrastructure
3. Burden of paying fees in addition to general living costs and vehicle maintenance

According to driver representatives, the protest is intended to draw attention to the urgent need for fair and sustainable pricing that does not cripple daily transport operations.

The protest caused severe traffic congestion, particularly along:

1. Etagbo near UNICAL Main Gate
2. Mary Slessor Roundabout (Total area)
3. Stadium and Mobil Roundabouts
4. Etagbo Roundabout and connecting routes

Motorists reported delays lasting several hours, with private vehicles, commercial buses, and commuters stranded amid the blockade.

Many residents were forced to seek alternate routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic gridlock.

Officials from the Cross River State Transport Authority and local police were deployed to monitor the situation and maintain order, though road clearance has been slow due to the scale of the protest.

Driver Statements

One of the protest organizers said:

“We are not against paying fees, but the increase is unjustified. Under the former administration, we paid ₦400, but now ₦700 is collected every day. This is unsustainable, and we are calling for fairer pricing.”

Another driver added that the daily fees coupled with other levies are making it difficult for drivers to earn a living while maintaining their vehicles and supporting their families.

Transport protests like this underscore the delicate balance between government revenue collection and sustainable urban transport.

While authorities require funds for infrastructure and regulation, excessive levies can cripple the transport sector, leading to:

• Increased fares for commuters
• Reduced mobility across the city
• Road blockages and urban gridlock
• Potential safety hazards in congested areas

For cities like Calabar, collaboration between government authorities and transport operators is essential to ensure fees are fair, transparent, and reflective of local realities.