Abuja Dispatch Riders Protest Against New Tax Fees

On Thursday, dispatch riders in Abuja protested against what they termed multiple taxation and a newly introduced N25,000 fee imposed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The riders gathered en masse at the FCT Administration Secretariat, appealing for intervention from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to halt what they described as unlawful extortion.

They insisted on recognition of their statutory duties while highlighting that the new levy effectively doubles their tax obligations. Riders reported that they are already paying N300 each time they enter the market, leading to accumulated costs from multiple daily trips.

Following the protest, officials from the FCT Transport Secretariat met with the leaders of the dispatch riders. The riders suspended their protest after this intervention.

The situation underscores the financial pressures faced by dispatch riders in Abuja, who are integral to Nigeria's expanding food delivery ecosystem but struggle with rising operational costs.