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Rising costs of tricycles (Keke Marwa) and motorcycles (Okada) have led to financial strain for operators in Nigeria. With prices surging and maintenance costs escalating, many are abandoning the business. Operators are calling on the government to address these challenges to ease their economic hardship.

The rising cost of living in Nigeria has drastically impacted commercial tricycle (Keke Marwa) and motorcycle (Okada) operators, forcing many out of business. The price of a Keke, which used to cost between N600,000 and N1 million, now ranges from N3.5 million for outright purchase to N6 million through hire purchase. Similarly, Okada prices have surged from N950,000 to N2 million.

These price hikes, coupled with soaring petrol costs, maintenance fees, and high registration charges, have put a strain on operators, with many opting to sell their vehicles or seek alternative livelihoods. Operators in cities like Ibadan report a sharp decline in passenger numbers, with some passengers preferring to trek longer distances to save on transport costs.

The situation is worsened by increased petrol prices, which have raised transport fares. Despite these challenges, many operators, including university graduates, see this business as their only means of survival after struggling to find white-collar jobs. They are calling on the government to review taxes on tricycles and motorcycles, as well as the high costs of importation, to ease their burdens.