The Chairman of the Imo State ALUTA Drivers Welfare Association, Comrade Moses Otu, has alleged that members of the association are harassing him over an alleged increase in the government-approved fee for the data capturing of commercial drivers under the Bus Imo scheme.
Speaking with journalists, Comrade Otu explained that the situation arose following a directive by the Imo State government requiring all Bus Imo drivers to undergo data recapturing and repainting of their vehicles.
According to him, the issue began after a stakeholders’ meeting held in early December 2025, convened by the Imo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo. At the meeting, drivers were reportedly informed that those undergoing data capturing for the first time would pay 25,000, while drivers who had previously been captured in 2021 and 2022 would pay 10,000 for recapturing.
Otu noted that the meeting was attended by the consultant handling the exercise, Mr. John Emeh, the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) BOT Chairman, in charge of their transport scheme, his Vice, and their Exco, as well as members of Imo State ALUTA Drivers Welfare Association, and other relevant transport stakeholders.
However, he said the situation changed when drivers arrived at the data capturing centre and were informed that the approved fee was no longer 25,000 or 10,000, but 36,800 for all drivers, regardless of whether they were registering for the first time or undergoing recapturing.
Concerned about the development, Otu said he and members of his executive visited the office of the Commissioner for Transport to seek clarification.
According to him, the commissioner confirmed that the new fee of 36,800 was approved by the State Executive Council and was a directive from the state government and that, it's applicable to old new bus Imo drivers who have captured.
The chairman stated that efforts to persuade his members to comply with the directive have failed, as many drivers feel misled by the sudden increase.
“Our members are confused and angry because they were initially told one amount in December, only for the figure to change when they arrived at the data capturing centre,” Otu said.
He also noted that the absence of an official public announcement from the state government regarding the revised fee has further fueled suspicion among drivers. As a result, some members have accused the association’s leadership of collaborating with the government against their interests.
Otu disclosed that he has written an official letter to the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, appealing for intervention and urging the government to review the fee.
“We are appealing to the governor to reconsider the decision because of its potential negative impact on motorists and transportation costs in the state,” he said.
Otu also called on the government to convene a fresh stakeholders’ meeting involving transport unions and other relevant parties to resolve the matter amicably.
Supporting the chairman’s position, the Chairman of the Imo State Polytechnic Transport Welfare Association and Public Relations Officer of the Imo State ALUTA Drivers Welfare Association, Comrade Kingsley Okoronkwo, confirmed that he attended the December meeting with the Commissioner for Transport.
He said drivers are deeply worried about the development and appealed to Governor Uzodimma to intervene by reducing the charges.
According to him, any policy affecting the transport sector often has a ripple effect on the broader economy, including increased transportation fares for residents.
Okoronkwo urged the state government to consider the welfare of drivers and the public while implementing policies aimed at regulating the transport sector.
Report By Fredrick Njoku