FCTA suspends enforcement of drivers and riders permit levy following dispatch riders’ protests over multiple taxation in the Federal Capital Territory

Federal Capital Territory Administration has suspended enforcement of the Drivers and Riders Permit Levy to allow further consultations with key stakeholders, following protests by dispatch riders over multiple taxation.

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The directive was issued by Dr. Chinedum Elechi in a letter to the Managing Director of First Capital Cargo Ltd, the company engaged to collect the levy.

Elechi explained that the decision follows a February 19 meeting with representatives of the Association of Dispatch Riders in the FCT.

“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,” the letter stated.

Dispatch riders had earlier protested at the FCTA Secretariat, claiming that the N25,000 levy imposed by the Transportation Secretariat compounded existing fees, including an annual N13,000 payment to area councils and additional charges for accessing markets.

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The riders appealed to Nyesom Wike to intervene and halt the levies.

The FCTA suspension is intended to reduce tension and allow dialogue with stakeholders before any further enforcement of the permit levy.