FCTA Suspends Drivers and Riders Permit Levy Enforcement

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the suspension of the enforcement of the drivers and riders' permit levy. This decision was communicated by Dr.

Chinedum Elechi, the Secretary of the Transport Secretariat, in a letter to the Managing Director of First Capital Cargo Ltd. The suspension is pending further engagement with relevant stakeholders.

This action follows a meeting held on February 19, 2023, with leaders of dispatch riders who raised concerns about multiple taxation from various authorities. The riders protested at the FCTA secretariat, alleging extortion and claiming they were required to pay an annual levy of N13,000 to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and additional fees from Bwari and Gwagwalada area councils.

Furthermore, a new N25,000 permit levy was introduced by the FCTA Transport Secretariat, along with a N300 ticket fee for market entry, contributing to the riders' grievances.