The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has suspended the collection of its Drivers and Riders Permit Levy, pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders. The move aims to address concerns raised by dispatch riders over multiple taxation and the newly introduced permit fee.
Thousands of dispatch riders had earlier protested at the FCTA Secretariat, demanding action against what they described as overlapping levies by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada Area Councils, and the FCT Transportation Secretariat.
Riders reported paying N13,000 annually to the area councils, in addition to a N300 market entry fee for each delivery, creating significant financial strain.
The directive to suspend levy enforcement was announced on Monday, following a meeting with leaders of the Association of Dispatch Riders in the FCT and a review of the issues raised during the protest.
The order was issued by the Mandate Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, in a letter to the Managing Director of First Capital Cargo Ltd, the company contracted to collect the levy.
“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 wrote. “Please ensure this directive is accorded the needed attention and compliance.”
The FCTA emphasized that the suspension reflects its commitment to resolving stakeholder concerns while ensuring proper regulatory compliance. The Administration also clarified that the decision is temporary and part of ongoing consultations to harmonize revenue collection without overburdening riders.
Authorities called on dispatch riders and other transport operators to cooperate with officials during the review process, assuring that consultations would be transparent and fair.
The FCTA confirmed that further engagements with dispatch rider representatives and relevant agencies will continue in the coming weeks to finalize a sustainable framework for the Drivers and Riders Permit Levy.
