On February 10, 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced a significant revision to Automated Teller Machine withdrawal charges, set to take effect from 1 March 2025.

In a circular reflecting the same date, the apex bank directed all banks and financial institutions to implement new ATM withdrawal charges from 1 March 2025.

This means customers will now pay for every withdrawal made from another bank’s ATM.

The review affects the charges prescribed in Section 10.7 of the CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial, and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (2020).

The circular, signed by John Onojah, Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department at the CBN, is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs across the country while ensuring that financial institutions apply appropriate charges for the service.

It read, “The three free monthly withdrawals allowed for Remote-On-Us (other bank’s customers/Not-On-Us consumers) in Nigeria under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide shall no longer apply.”

Under the new directive, withdrawals made from a customer’s bank ATM will remain free.

However, customers using another bank’s ATM will now be charged N100 per N20,000 withdrawal when using ATMs located within bank premises.

For withdrawals made at off-site ATMs, a charge of N100 per N20,000 withdrawal will apply, along with a surcharge of up to N500.

The surcharge, which will be an income of the ATM deployer or acquirer, must be disclosed at the point of withdrawal.

The CBN also stated that international ATM withdrawals would be charged at the exact rate set by the international acquirer.

The apex bank attributed the review to rising costs and the need to enhance efficiency in ATM operations.

The circular read, “In response to rising costs and the need to improve the efficiency of Automated Teller Machine services in the banking industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria has reviewed the ATM transaction fees prescribed in Section 10.7 of the extant CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020 (the Guide).

“This review is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs and ensure that appropriate charges are applied by financial institutions to consumers of the service. Accordingly, banks and other financial institutions are advised to apply the following fees with effect from 1 March 2025.”

The new charges mean that bank customers who frequently use ATMs belonging to other banks will now incur higher costs.

The introduction of additional surcharges on off-site ATMs could also lead to increased reliance on digital banking channels such as mobile apps and online transfers.

With banks expected to implement the new structure from 1 March, customers may need to adjust their banking habits to avoid additional fees.

The CBN’s directive aligns with ongoing efforts to promote cashless transactions, a policy that has seen increased regulatory attention in recent years.

This review of ATM charges follows a recent warning from the CBN that any bank found not dispensing cash via ATMs would be sanctioned.

The CBN recently sanctioned nine Deposit Money Banks with fines totalling N1.35bn for failing to ensure cash availability via ATMs during the festive season.

Each of the banks was fined N150m following spot checks that revealed non-compliance with the apex bank’s cash distribution guidelines.

The affected banks included Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.

The fines, our correspondent confirmed, would be directly debited from the banks’ accounts with the CBN.

This policy change has sparked widespread discussion due to its potential impact on consumers and the broader Nigerian economy.

N100 charge for withdrawals below N20,000

The apex bank announced during the week that Nigerians withdrawing less than N20,000 from another bank’s ATM will still be charged a fee of N100 per transaction.

This was disclosed in an FAQ document published by the Central Bank of Nigeria on its website on Thursday, providing further details on the new directive.

Off-site ATMs, which are located outside bank premises, such as in shopping malls, fuel stations, and other public spaces, will attract an additional surcharge of up to N500 per transaction.

For international ATM withdrawals, charges will be based on cost recovery, meaning customers will bear the exact fee applied by the international acquirer.

The CBN stated that the charge on withdrawals below N20,000 is intended to prevent customers from splitting withdrawals into smaller amounts to avoid fees.

The FAQ document read, “Yes, the fee of N100 will apply if you withdraw less than N20,000 from another bank (a bank other than the one that issued your payment card).

“The reason for applying the fee for every N20,000 withdrawal is to prevent customers from being compelled to break their withdrawals into smaller amounts to avoid charges.

“In other words, ATM transactions will incur a base fee of N100 per transaction. It is also important to note that a tiered fee structure will apply for transactions exceeding N20,000, with an additional N100 charged for each subsequent withdrawal of N20,000 or a portion thereof.”

Customers withdrawing more than N20,000 from another bank’s ATM will be charged an additional N100 for every subsequent N20,000 or portion thereof, the document stated.

Another significant change in the revised structure is the removal of the three free monthly withdrawals previously allowed for customers using other banks’ ATMs.

From 1 March 2025, all withdrawals at another bank’s ATM will attract charges, potentially increasing costs for customers who frequently use ATMs outside their primary bank.

The apex bank clarified that financial institutions are not permitted to charge more than the prescribed fees, although banks may reduce charges depending on their business strategy.

Any bank found violating the directive, including compelling customers to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction despite sufficient funds in their account, will be sanctioned accordingly.

Customers who experience such restrictions are encouraged to report complaints to the CBN Consumer Protection Department via [email protected].

To minimise transaction fees, the CBN has advised customers to prioritise withdrawals from their bank’s own ATMs.

It also encouraged Nigerians to explore alternative payment methods such as mobile banking applications, POS transactions, and electronic transfers to reduce reliance on cash withdrawals.

No cash

Our correspondent, who monitored ATMs from the Ikoyi end of Lagos down to Gbagada, Ojota, Ketu, CMD Road, and further to Ogba and Ojodu-Berger, observed that most ATM centres were not dispensing cash.

For instance, on Friday afternoon, three tier-one banks along CMD Road were not dispensing cash at all.

At the entrance of one of the banks, a security personnel informed our correspondent, “No cash.”

At the next bank, just a few minutes away, only one ATM was dispensing, and withdrawals were limited to N10,000 per transaction.

At the next bank, there was no cash, and the same was true for the following bank, until the Shangisha Junction end of the road.

Ironically, at most POS stands near the banks, cash was readily available.

Our correspondent met a POS agent, Divine Grace Concept POS, who offered to provide N150,000 in cash for a service charge of N5,000.

“I just want to help you. Ask anyone, I am helping you, and that is because you said you would transfer. If you want to use your card, I will not dare collect that kind of money because of the charges,” the agent said.

Unending charges

The new ATM withdrawal charge is just one of many deductions that Nigerians face daily.

Most banks deduct between N50 and N100 monthly for account maintenance. Interbank transfers attract charges ranging from N10 to N50 per transaction. Customers are also charged between N6 and N15 per SMS alert on transactions, while using a bank’s short service code incurs a charge of N6.95.

Additionally, a N50 deduction applies to transfers above N10,000, while ATM card replacements attract fees ranging from N1,000 to N2,000.

Some of these charges also include a 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax, further increasing deductions.

Many Nigerians argue that these charges are excessive, especially given the economic hardship in the country.

Nigerians lament multiple deductions

The recent introduction of additional ATM withdrawal fees by the CBN has sparked widespread frustration, as many are already burdened with multiple banking charges.

For many, these deductions are not just figures on a bank statement but represent a significant strain on their finances.

 “I work as a secondary school teacher, and my salary is barely enough to cover my expenses,” said Tunde Olalekan, a resident of Surulere, Lagos.

“Now, I have to think twice before making a withdrawal. The additional N100 charge may not seem like much to some people, but when added to other deductions, it reduces my already small income.”

Similarly, Mercy Okoro, a market trader at Mile 12, lamented how the charges affect small business owners.

“I rely on POS agents because banks are often crowded, and now they are charging more. If I withdraw N10,000 twice a week, that’s N200 gone just on withdrawal fees. It’s unfair. Do they want to kill us?”

Students and young professionals are also feeling the pinch.

A final-year student at the University of Lagos, Samuel Onuoha, described how the fees eat into his limited allowance.

“I don’t have a steady income, so every naira counts. Sometimes, my parents send me N5,000, and after bank deductions and charges, I have less than I need for transport and feeding. It’s frustrating.”

Shehu Sani fumes

Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has condemned the scrapping of free ATM withdrawals for customers using other banks’ ATMs.

Reacting in an X post on Thursday, Sani said the hike in ATM charges could push Nigerians back to physically cashing cheques in banks.

He wrote, “If the CBN continues to increase ATM charges, people will return to the era of physically entering the bank to cash their cheques.”

Businesses, workers struggle

Small businesses, which rely heavily on cash transactions, are also struggling to adapt.

“We encourage our customers to pay via transfer, but not everyone is comfortable with that,” said Aisha Bello, a supermarket owner in Abuja.

“Now, with these fees, more customers are withdrawing less cash, which means they hesitate to buy more than they need. It is affecting our daily sales.”

Commercial drivers, who predominantly operate in cash, also feel the weight of these deductions.

Sani Abdul, a tricycle operator in Kano, expressed his frustration to our correspondent on a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

“I withdraw money daily to buy fuel and settle my conductor. If I withdraw N10,000 and am charged N100, that’s money I could have used to buy extra fuel. These charges are killing small workers like us.”

A call for review

Financial analysts and economists have weighed in on the impact of these charges on individuals and the economy.

A development economist and financial expert, Francis Adebayo, criticised the banking system for overburdening Nigerians.

“The CBN needs to review these policies. It is becoming unbearable. The apex bank knows that most of these ATMs do not have cash. They know. One may need to depend on the ATMs of other banks.

“While financial institutions need to generate revenue, excessive deductions discourage financial inclusion. Many Nigerians will opt to keep their money in cash rather than deposit it in banks, which contradicts the goal of a cashless economy.”

Similarly, banking expert Uche Ezeh called for a revision of the charges.

“The increase in transaction costs could push more people towards informal financial services, such as cash savings and non-regulated financial institutions. The government needs to find a balance between encouraging digital banking and ensuring that people are not discouraged from using formal financial services due to high costs.”

With the rising cost of living, many Nigerians hope the government and banking sector will reconsider these charges.

Broader implications

Consumer rights groups have started advocating for a reduction in banking fees, arguing that citizens should not be unfairly burdened in the pursuit of a digital economy.

Until then, many Nigerians will continue to feel the financial strain caused by these deductions, making everyday banking an expensive necessity.

A market leader in Andoni, Rivers State, Mrs Felicia Solomon, noted that the increased charges may discourage individuals, especially those in rural areas, from using formal banking services, thereby hindering financial inclusion efforts.

She also noted that, to avoid these fees, some individuals might opt to carry more cash, which poses security risks and undermines the CBN’s cashless policy initiatives.

“Persistent and multiple charges can erode trust in the banking system, leading customers to seek alternative financial solutions, some of which may be unregulated,” the market leader said.

While the CBN’s policies aim to regulate and standardise banking operations, it’s crucial to consider the human impact of these decisions.

For many Nigerians, the accumulation of various bank charges represents a significant financial burden, affecting their daily lives and financial well-being.

As the banking landscape evolves, there is a pressing need for policies that balance regulatory objectives with the economic realities of the populace, ensuring that the financial system remains both efficient and inclusive.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in 2023 promised to support women-owned and women-led businesses to ensure favourable competition and economic equality, yet, many female minibus drivers popularly called ‘Korope’ in the state are daily burdened with multiple levies from agberos and traffic officers in their struggle to survive amid harsh economy, JANET OGUNDEPO writes

In 2020, a single mum of two, Mrs Vivan Efe, lost her means of livelihood. The lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to her crumbled business.

After the lockdown was eased, Vera began to seek alternative means to sustain herself and her two children.

While on her quest for economic empowerment, she saw some women driving the commercial minibus, popularly known as Korope, and it piqued her interest.

“I asked around and I was told the procedure. Since I already knew how to drive I was confident of being able to do the job. I know a friend who is close to the chairman of the park and she took me to him and he told me the dues to be paid and how it is done,” Efe said.

Thankfully, the process of joining the male-dominated commercial transport business was seamless for Efe, so she joined her male colleagues.

But the curse words, swearing and violence displayed by most of the levy collectors for the National Union of Road Transport Workers bothered her.

After plying the Berger-Ogba-Agege route for some time and mastering how things were done, she continued with her job unfazed.

“But the money we are paying is too much. Before I came into the business, three years ago, I was told women were exempted from paying the multiple levies but when I started, I was always asked for money by the ‘agberos. You need to see how they will aggressively drag our clothes just because they want to collect their money.

“The molestation and verbal abuse is too much but what can one do? I have learnt to avoid them by giving them their money as soon as I see them coming”,  Efe said with a frown.

Every day, Efe said she pays N2,100 as a booking fee for the route she plies but for every round she goes, the money for one of her passengers is collected by the ‘agberos’ also called ‘garage boys’.

This means that if she loads her seven-passenger bus for a trip from Berger to Ogba, she only goes on the route with the fee for six people.

 The same applies to when she picks up passengers at the other end of her stop.

Aside from these daily levies, the mother of two paid the Lagos State harmonised ticket of N800 every week.

To meet up with her daily target, Efe said that she sometimes works until 9 pm, despite starting early.

“The government should help female commercial drivers because we are not finding it easy with the ‘agberos’. Sometimes, if we are arrested, we are left at wit’s end on how to collect our buses.

“We will appreciate it if we are granted subsidies and waivers on some of these levies. We also plead for soft loans to purchase and repair our buses,” the female ‘korope’ driver pleaded.

Promise of economic equity

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in 2023, promised to support women-owned and women-led businesses in the state to ensure they move to “the next level where they can also compete favourably and secure public contracts which would ultimately foster economic equality.”

However, this promise has not in any way reflected on the activities of women commercial drivers in the state.

In September 2024, the state government advocated a transport system that prioritised the needs and safety of women.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, during an interactive meeting with women-focused non-governmental organisations, stated that the discussion was aimed at sensitising communities to the available transportation options, the associated women’s rights, and the avenues for voicing concerns.

Dada explained that many women relied on public transportation to commute to work, take their children to school and access essential services, stating that safety and affordability in transportation remained significant challenges.

 The Commissioner said, “It is essential to encourage women to engage directly with the government and seek accountability in our transport systems.

“Collaboration with your NGOs plays a pivotal role in creating awareness about safe transport for women and addressing issues like harassment.

“Let’s consider initiatives such as designated women-only transport services and community campaigns to promote awareness of safe commuting practices.

“Together, we can advocate a transport system that prioritises the needs and safety of all, especially the most vulnerable among us.”

Lagos is also known for its strict laws against domestic violence and abuse of women and children as enshrined in the 2007 Protection Against Domestic Violence Law.

Although several successes of justice served to perpetrators of violence against children and women in the state have been recorded, TheNigerian Healthwise reports that some women and children in the informal sector, who often are uneducated about the means to report grievances against them are still left to suffer abuse and harassment.

Some of these persons are vulnerable and unable to flee the arms of their abusers.

However, a Women’s Rights advocate who spoke to TheNigerian Healthwise, urged the state government to put in place anti-domestic violence monitoring teams and mobile courts, especially in public places where these abuses thrive to ensure that women and children, regardless of their status are protected.

Loved by passengers, harassed by agberos

A tailor-turned-commercial minibus driver, Mrs Ganiyat Busari, has been plying the Berger-Ogba route for about three years.

Her journey into the commercial transport business started by driving a tricycle, commonly referred to as ‘Keke Marwa.’

After the latter was banned along Ogunnusi road, she switched to driving the minibus.

Despite the stress of driving on Lagos’ busy road for about six to eight hours daily, Busari still made time for her home.

Thankfully, she said, her male co-drivers and passengers do not harass her verbally or sexually.

“In fact, some passengers appreciate us and commend us well,” the female minibus driver said.

But the story is not the same for the levy collectors, called ‘agberos’, who vigilantly watch every commercial vehicle and stretch out their hands to collect their dues.

The ‘agberos’ are known to forcefully collect monies from the drivers or motor boys, popularly called conductors.

A little lapse in offering the required money could result in the swift removal and damage of several parts of the bus.

Similarly, the reluctance to pay the fee would also cause heated arguments and exchanges of curses and blows.

The women drivers, TheNigerian Healthwise learnt, could be dragged and abused for their delay in giving the agberos their money.

Busari said, “Those who disturb us are the ‘agberos’ if you don’t quickly hand them their money. They embarrass us and don’t even consider whether we are females or not. However, if we give them their money, there is no other person that embarrasses us at work.”

Multiple levies

Despite the Lagos State Government’s introduction of the harmonised transport levy of N800 for commercial bus drivers with the intent to curb extortion and payment of unauthorised charges, in January 2022, commercial drivers in the state still pay multiple levies.

Previous investigations and reports done before the harmonised levy revealed that the monies collected by the louts went to the Local Government and the ‘agberos’.

An estimate by ICIR in 2021 revealed that about N82.13bn every year goes to the agberos.

Explaining the situation at Berger Park, Busari said, “We pay every day. We collect tickets at both ends of our journey. After that, they collect the money for a seat on the bus, which is called the load-and-pay.”

All of these, she said, make the earnings no longer worthwhile.

“If the government can help us intervene in the load-and-pay fee and can give us other subsidies, we will be glad,” Busari pleaded.

Harassed by LASTMA

Another female minibus driver, identified as Iya Tobi, complained bitterly of the harassment of officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and other law enforcement officials in the state.

“The embarrassment is too much. For LASTMA officials, if they ask for money and you don’t give it, they will begin to harass and threaten you with arrest.

“I have been asked for my phone number before because I am a woman and when I didn’t give it I was threatened with arrest,” the minibus driver said.

She pleaded for a stop to the harassment by the ‘abgeros’, task force and LASTMA officials.

Iya Tobi described the harassment of the aneros at Berger as “worst. They would abuse us over the levy they want to collect. If you don’t give them the money on time, they will destroy things on the bus.

“I have been financially harassed by LASTMA officials many times. For instance, they could ask a vendor hawking drinks to stop by and after taking whatever drink they wanted, ask the vendor to collect the money from you. If you complain that you don’t have any money on you and that this was your first trip, one has got into trouble. From then on, they would begin to accuse one of being proud and rain several abuses.”

LASTMA, every transporter’s fear

However, TheNigerian Healthwise, learnt that the harassment of female drivers by louts was peculiar to certain areas in the state.

For example, it was observed that transporters plying the Berger to Ikeja route and those plying the Secretariat to Computer Village, Local Government Area in Ikeja, were not harassed by the louts.

A female minibus driver, identified as Omolola, confirmed the situation to our correspondent.

She said, “Once I get to the final stop where I am to pick passengers, I would tell the ‘agbero’ there the route I am going and to call in passengers going that route. Once the bus is filled up, I give them their money and I move. I do the same at the other stop,” she explained.

Like her colleagues plying the Berger-Ogba-Agege routes, Omolola said, her major fear was the task force officials and LASTMA.

Being in the business for over three years, Omolola’s vast knowledge of traffic offences and her rights has helped her evade unnecessary arrests and fines.

Also, she noted, “If you know one of their bosses, whenever one is caught, one can just call them and explain the situation. Depending on the rank of the boss, the officials there might leave the vehicle and let one go. As such, they will even be telling their colleagues to avoid such a person.”

Need for better levy collection method – FIDA

In an exclusive interview with TheNigerian Healthwise, the Country Vice President/National President of The International Federation of Women Lawyers, Eliana Martins, saluted the courage of the women drivers for taking on the job to support and provide for their families.

On the harassment of the women by the louts stationed to collect the levies, Martins emphasised the need for a better collection method for the levies to eliminate the harassment of the women by the louts.

She said, “I would be mindful that the idea or the mindset is that the monies collected will be used to maintain, will be used to do good for the benefit of either the road people or the parks or at least to offer some form of support, not just collecting money for collecting sake.

“So first of all, they need to review this level. What is the aim? What is the purpose? How can it be properly collected? What seamless processes can they put in place for a collection that does not require the use of agberos harassing people? If I can go to a bank around the corner and make a payment or do an online transfer, I will get a sticker based on the categories of my vehicle types and things like that.

“I think these women can walk into the bank and pay and then to get their stickers and to stick on their vehicle, it’s easy to see that they have made payment rather than them being harassed. So for me, I think in the process, in the system that we set up, we can address things better so that women do not always have to be pushed to a corner to do the needful. They understand what the requirements are and they can comply.”

She further emphasised the need for a clear description of specific needs for the collected dues to be applied for, noting that the needs of women should also be considered in the dues.

“I wonder to myself, an organisation like the NURTW, do they have a specific policy on gender? What is that policy? Do they need to review that policy so that it better includes their women members who are coming on board now? So that they create an even platform for them to be part of that group because it’s not enough to just prepare and make the environment conducive for the male folk,” the FIDA Country Vice President said.

Better action against violence

While Martins praised the Lagos State Government for being proactive on gender matters, she called the domestic violence agency to target and monitor harassment among women in the transport sector in the state.

 “I know that the Lagos State government is proactive and hot on gender matters, they have the relevant law, the protection against domestic violence law on issues of abuse and violence and things like that. I know that they have Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation which is also in different local governments and are very active. I know that Lagos State has an active domestic violence agency.

“So, basically, we need to call them up for better action, targeting this particular sector of women, whom I would call entrepreneurs, going into the transport business. How can they also support these women against harassment and violence?

“Besides the issue of multiple taxations and all of that, I think that we can also wake up these agencies and ask them to shine their torch in those areas so that they are better able to help,” the legal luminary said.

She also urged the government to implement health schemes in case of accidents for the women drivers and insurance to cover their treatment.

Martins added that private corporations and start-ups could offer support to vulnerable women going into the transport business such as granting soft loans to encourage them to survive and preserve.

“The local government in the areas where they operate can also assist so that care centres are put in place in a nearby local government or office where their children can stay after picking them up from school.

“We need to look at the big picture. These are small business women aspiring and can grow in that business to own a fleet of buses and every encouragement is necessary. We all can do a lot to support them. Lagos State particularly can create a safe working environment for them so that they can thrive in this business that they are doing,” FIDA National President said.

To further monitor and address complaints of harassment, the legal luminary stressed, “Lagos States can also make sure that the way they send out crack teams to collect levies, they can also send out teams to protect, to ensure compliance and to monitor what is going on. They can even set up mobile courts where erring people are tried on the spot such that if I’m being harassed, I shouldn’t wait for long and the process should not be cumbersome.”

She further emphasised the need for a good reporting process where the women can report cases without being victimised while the culprits were taken to the mobile courts and are charged.

Martins noted that this approach would send a clear signal that one should be oppressed.

She urged the government, agencies against domestic violence and nongovernmental organisations to speak out against violence as it concerns people working in different sectors.

Female ‘korope’ drivers need inclusive environment – Advocate

A Women’s Rights Advocate, Josephine Christopher, emphasised the need for a fairer and more inclusive environment, urging the government to urgently standardise and regulate daily levies, such as tickets and “load and pay” charges, ensuring they were fair and affordable.

She further advocated the introduction of programmes that would give women access to vehicles through low-interest government-backed loans or subsidised hire-purchase schemes to reduce the pressure of tireless working to repay their vehicle loans.

Speaking on the safety and harassment remain critical concerns, Christopher said, “Many female drivers endure harassment and discrimination at bus parks and stops, making their work environment hostile and unsafe. The government must establish women-friendly transport hubs with dedicated spaces for female drivers and enforce zero-tolerance policies against harassment. Women deserve to work in an environment where they feel respected and protected.

“Additionally, providing free training programs on vehicle maintenance, financial management, and customer relations would help female drivers strengthen their business and navigate the male-dominated industry. Workshops to educate male counterparts and union leaders on the importance of gender inclusion are also essential to foster mutual respect and understanding.”

The women’s rights advocate urged levy waivers or reduced fees for women in the transport sector, especially those burdened by hire-purchase agreements.

She also called for a targeted subsidy scheme to help reduce their daily expenses and provide much-needed relief to these hardworking women.

Digitise ticketing system

Christopher also noted, “The current system of revenue collection is riddled with inefficiencies and corruption, often compounding the challenges women face. Digitising ticketing and levy systems would not only ensure transparency but also eliminate the exploitation and multiple unofficial charges that drain female drivers’ earnings.”

She called on the government to enforce stricter laws to protect women from harassment and discrimination in bus parks, garages, and transport hubs, stating that a zero-tolerance approach to harassment would send a clear message that women were valued and supported in the industry.

“Women need a stronger voice in transport unions, which men often dominate. Encouraging the formation of women-specific unions or subgroups would give female drivers a platform to advocate for better working conditions and policies that address their unique needs.

“Finally, recognising and celebrating the achievements of female bus drivers through awards or other public initiatives would boost their morale and challenge the stereotypes that often discourage women from pursuing such professions,” Christopher said.

Report officials who harass you – Omotoso

In his response the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said that discrimination against women drivers was not permissible in the Lagos State law.

He stated that women had the right to report cases of harassment to the appropriate quarters and they would get help.

“In Lagos, we take exception to violence against women and children. It is not acceptable at all. The Governor is well recognised and known for his love for gender equity.

“So, if these women are being discriminated against by anybody, whatsoever, if they bring forward such a matter, I can assure you that they will get help,” Omotoso said.

The commissioner, however, noted that the law did not pamper women who committed an offense.

Continuing, he noted that in some parks, women commercial drivers were allowed to load their buses first, emphasising the camaraderie between the men and women drivers.

Omotoso urged the women who were harassed by LASTMA officials or had a complaint against any taskforce official to call dedicated lines or visit their offices to report such behaviours.

Speaking on channels for which the women could lodge complaints, the commissioner said, “For example, it is a complaint against LASTMA, they have lines that you can call, they have offices that they can visit to report what they have done. If it’s a complaint against the police, the police public relations department is very robust, big, and it’s manned by people who are good and would listen to you if you complain against them.

“If it’s a union member harassing a woman, the woman has the right to complain to the union. The NURTW are well-organised people and are also disciplined, from what we have seen. So it’s not a lawless environment that people want us to believe, I do not think so.”