Maroc - NEWSLINENG.COM.NG - A La Une - 08/Jan 06:16

ODSG makes case for riders tickets

Our Correspondent In a mutual agreement with representatives of motorcycle and tricycle riders across the 18 local government areas, the Ondo State Government has announced an upward review of ticket prices for both categories of riders.The Acting Chairman of Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), Mr Bayo Rojugbonkan, made this known during an interactive session with the riders at the Revenue House in Akure, the state capital recently. Rojugbonkan revealed that the new ticket price for motorcycles will now be ₦500, up from the initial ₦150, while the price for tricycles has been increased to ₦1,000 from ₦300.He explained that the adjustment was necessary to meet the rising cost of ticket production, which he described as alarming.The ODIRS Acting Chairman further disclosed that a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the rates charged in other South-Western states before arriving at the new rates.According to him, Ekiti State charges ₦850, Osun State ₦700, Edo State ₦1,200, Lagos ₦1,300, and Oyo State ₦1,200.“The new ticket price of ₦500 per day is the lowest compared to other South-West states. This revised price will take immediate effect for the benefit of all riders across the 18 local government areas,” Rojugbonkan stated.He emphasised that the improved revenue generation will be used for the development of various sectors in the state.In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Comrade Gani Muhammed, commended the riders for their support of the current administration.He noted that the government recognises the vital role played by riders in society, which is why Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ensured that the chairman of the tax collection committee is an Executive Council member.“Previously, the riders were overseen by a Senior Special Assistant, but now the office is handled by a Special Adviser who is part of the Executive Council. This arrangement allows the Governor to receive first-hand information about riders directly. Matters concerning riders are now presented straight to the Governor without any intermediaries,” Muhammed explained.He assured the riders that the government would continue to prioritise their welfare.The Coordinator of Tricyclists in Akure South and North, Olawale Atanbiakin, welcomed the upward review, describing it as long overdue.Atanbiakin allayed public concerns, stating that the increase in ticket prices would not affect transportation fares.“We had already adjusted transportation fares from ₦150 to ₦300 in areas like Ijoka and Oda Road while the ticket price was still ₦150.Now that the ticket price has been increased, it will not have any negative impact on the public,” he clarified.