Relief for Dispatch Riders as FCTA Suspends Permit Levy Enforcement

Relief for Dispatch Riders as FCTA Suspends Permit Levy Enforcement

The Transportation Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has suspended the enforcement of the controversial Drivers and Riders Permit Levy, pending further engagement with relevant stakeholders.

The directive was issued by the Mandate Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of First Capital Cargo Ltd, the firm contracted to collect the levy.

According to the letter obtained in Abuja on Monday, the decision followed a meeting held on February 19 with leaders of the Association of Dispatch Riders in the FCT, during which concerns over multiple taxation were raised.

“Following the meeting with the leaders of the Association of Dispatch Riders in the FCT, and the concerns of multiple taxation by various authorities raised during the meeting, you are by this letter directed to suspend the enforcement of collection of the Drivers and Riders Permit Levy, pending further engagement with all relevant stakeholders,” Elechi stated.

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“Please ensure this directive is accorded the needed attention and compliance.”

The development comes days after thousands of dispatch riders stormed the FCT Administration Secretariat in Abuja in protest, alleging extortion and excessive levies imposed by different authorities.

The riders had appealed directly to the Nyesom Wike, urging him to intervene and halt what they described as an unfair financial burden on their operations.

According to the protesters, dispatch riders already pay a ₦13,000 annual levy to the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari Area Council, and Gwagwalada Area Council. This, they said, is in addition to the newly introduced ₦25,000 Drivers and Riders Permit Levy by the FCTA Transportation Secretariat.

They further claimed that riders are required to pay a ₦300 ticket each time they enter markets within Abuja, a situation they argue amounts to multiple taxation and significantly increases the cost of doing business.

Stakeholders within the transport and logistics sector have welcomed the suspension, describing it as a relief measure and a step toward resolving lingering disputes between government agencies and dispatch riders. They stressed the need for a harmonised levy system that avoids duplication and protects livelihoods while ensuring proper regulation.

The FCTA has assured that consultations will continue with dispatch riders’ associations, area councils, and other relevant authorities, adding that any final decision on the levy will be communicated through official government channels.

Relief for Dispatch Riders as FCTA Suspends Permit Levy Enforcement