The Delta State chapter of the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) has officially begun collecting daily “check-up dues” from motorcycle operators across the state through a ₦200 ticket system.
Announcing the move at a press briefing held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, the Union’s Deputy National President, Comrade Julius Oghenewevgba Bobi, said the initiative is aimed at improving the welfare of riders.
He was joined by the National Provost, Monday Ekharenhor, Delta State Chairman Chief Austin Okorare, and other state and local executives. Comrade Bobi noted that the Union had informed the relevant government agencies and received official acknowledgment to commence operations.
Highlighting the constitutional right to union membership, Comrade Bobi warned that “no employer can prevent a worker from joining a union,” noting that doing so is a criminal offense under labour laws.
He encouraged motorcycle operators to actively engage with MOUN, describing the union as a platform committed to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of Okada riders in Delta State and beyond.
The MOUN leader revealed that a portion of the daily dues would go toward a health insurance scheme in partnership with the Delta State Health Insurance Scheme, headed by Dr. Isaac Akpoveta. He also disclosed that the union is in the final stages of acquiring 20,000 motorcycles from China, which will be distributed free of charge to registered members holding valid Union ID cards and driver’s licenses. Comrade Bobi added that a dedicated task force has been established to ensure transparent dues collection and to address members’ complaints, with leadership contact information made readily available.
He emphasized that with MOUN now fully established, harassment of Okada riders by security personnel would be curtailed, as the union will act as an umbrella body to protect their rights and interests. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has given approval for MOUN’s operations in Delta State, and the Commissioner for Transport has been duly informed.
Bobi clarified that the daily ticket collection applies exclusively to motorcycle operators, not tricycle (Keke) riders, who are not part of MOUN. He further confirmed that the union has created a detailed membership database and that the ₦200 daily ticket collection officially began on Thursday, 13 November.
