Tricycle operators in Kano, popularly known as “Adaidaita Sahu”, have decried the high cost of engine oil and routine maintenance of their machines, which they consider necessary for effective operation.
They made their position known on Friday in separate interviews with journalists in Kano.
The operators said the situation had been reducing their earnings and could lead to an increase in local transport fares, while stressing the urgent need for government intervention.
According to one of the operators, Yahaya Ali, he requires at least two litres of engine oil every two to three weeks, with the standard oil costing him about ₦15,000, compared with the former price of ₦6,000 for the same quantity.
He said the cost of routine maintenance services, which was previously between ₦5,000 and ₦6,000, had now increased to between ₦12,000 and above.
Mr Ali added that the rising cost of engine oil and maintenance had forced operators to increase fares to cover their expenses and make reasonable profits.
He explained that a journey that previously cost ₦300 could now cost at least ₦500, adding that such an increase often generated disagreements between operators and passengers.
According to him, operators had little or no choice but to adjust fares to keep their tricycles in good working condition and sustain their operations.
He, therefore, appealed to the relevant authorities to intervene and introduce measures to reduce the financial burden, especially on commercial tricycle operators.
Another operator, Fatihu Ibrahim, identified the high cost of spare parts as a major challenge, saying the prices of essential components had doubled in recent times.
Mr Ibrahim said replacing tyres, brake pads, batteries and other components had become increasingly expensive, making routine maintenance difficult.
“Previously, with about N10,000, I could repair and maintain several parts of my tricycle, but now I need at least N30,000 to carry out similar repairs,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim also expressed concern over the rising cost of engine oil, saying it had increased their maintenance expenses and was affecting their daily operations.
He further said he now spent between N8,000 and N10,000 on petrol daily, compared with the N3,000 to N4,000 he previously spent.
Mr Ibrahim, therefore, called on the government to intervene by providing financial support to operators.
On his part, Sadi Haruna identified poor passenger patronage as his major challenge, particularly because some passengers preferred new tricycles to older ones.
Mr Haruna said the situation had significantly affected his business, leaving him with insufficient income to maintain and service his tricycle.
He appealed to the government to provide new tricycles through affordable hire-purchase arrangements to enable operators to improve their businesses.
Halima Mukhtar, a passenger, said the rising transport fares were affecting her daily activities, as tricycles remained the main means of transportation within the metropolitan city.
Ms Mukhtar said she spent between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 daily on tricycle transportation, describing the expense as a great burden on her.
The passenger said some operators frequently attributed fare increases to the rising cost of engine oil whenever passengers complained.
Ms Mukhtar also called on the state government to provide more buses and minibuses across major roads in the metropolis to improve access to affordable transportation.
She explained that an expanded public transport system would provide commuters with alternatives and encourage competition, thereby helping to moderate transport fares.
(NAN)
