Female commercial drivers and riders have lamented the hassles of driving minibuses and tricycles in Lagos.
Blessing Mbachu, who ferries passengers between Cele and Ikotun, said the daily challenges faced as a female motorist could be daunting as much as there was money to be made.
“Most women in this line of business are strong due to the challenging nature of the profession. I tell you, it’s not easy,” the widow and mother of five said. “These touts (agbero) don’t make the job easy for us; they must collect their money, that’s not negotiable, the only time they can be nice is when they allow you load even when it’s not your turn.”
Ms Mbachu, a former foodstuff seller, said she ventured into the transport business about three months ago and delivers N3,000 to the tricycle owner daily.
Ireti Sorinmade, a single mother, who drives a mini bus, said that her male colleagues make it easy for her despite their ego as men.
“Often times I have had to jump the line, my colleagues understand that driving is not easy to talk less of driving in the crazy traffic of Lagos,” she noted. “To me agberos are human beings too, so I’m always polite, although there are some stubborn ones too, they disturb some of us, but we try to get by.”
Victor Akinsulere, a tricycle driver, advised women in the same business to ensure they stayed safe by closing early.
“I personally don’t like to get into an argument with them because I understand the frustration. I salute their courage; usually, touts are nicer to them, but they don’t exclude them from paying,” he said.
Seun Tiamiyu, a park collector (agbero), said women in the transportation business were usually given preference and respected.
“They are our mothers, we respect them, but there are rules that we won’t bend because they are women; if we begin to do that men will feel cheated too,” he explained. “When I’m on duty, I collect money once from them, not on every trip, I know for a woman to drive in this our area it takes guts and obviously lots of responsibilities.”
(NAN)
