FCTA Stops Drivers’ Permit Levy Enforcement

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has suspended the enforcement of the Drivers and Riders Permit Levy in Abuja. The directive was given by the Transportation Secretariat of the FCTA on Monday.

The Mandate Secretary, Dr Chinedum Elechi, ordered that the collection of the levy be put on hold. The suspension affects First Capital Cargo Ltd, the firm handling the levy collection.

The action followed complaints raised by dispatch riders during a meeting held on February 19 in Abuja.

The decision came after leaders of the Association of Dispatch Riders in the FCT met with officials of the administration to discuss their concerns. The riders had protested against what they described as multiple taxes imposed on them by different authorities.

After reviewing the issues raised at the meeting, the Mandate Secretary directed the company in charge of the levy to stop further enforcement until discussions are concluded with all parties involved.

The letter conveying the directive instructed the contractor to comply fully with the order. The administration said the pause would allow room for further talks with stakeholders.

On February 19, hundreds of dispatch riders gathered at the FCT Administration Secretariat to protest the levy. They called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to step in and address their complaints.

The riders said they were already paying an annual fee of N13,000 to the Abuja Municipal Area Council, as well as to Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils. In addition to that, they said the Transportation Secretariat introduced a separate N25,000 permit levy.

The riders also stated that they pay N300 each time they enter markets within Abuja to carry out deliveries. They argued that the combined charges placed a heavy burden on their work and income.

The suspension of the levy enforcement will remain in place until the FCTA completes further discussions with the affected groups and reaches a decision on the matter.