Transportation Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has suspended the enforcement of its Drivers and Riders Permit Levy, pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The directive was issued by the Mandate Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat, Dr. Chinedum Elechi, in a letter addressed to the Managing-Director of First Capital Cargo Ltd, the firm engaged to collect the levy.
According to the letter obtained in Abuja on Monday, the decision followed a meeting held with leaders of dispatch riders on February 19, 2026, where concerns over alleged multiple taxation were raised.
“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.
“Please ensure this directive is accorded the needed attention and compliance,” Elechi stated.
Background to the Suspension
It would be recalled that dispatch riders had, on February 19, 2026 staged a protest at the FCT Administration Secretariat in Abuja over what they described as “multiple taxation.”
The riders, who reportedly trooped out in large numbers, appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to intervene and halt what they alleged was extortion by authorities.
They claimed they already pay an annual levy of ₦13,000 to Abuja Municipal Area Council, as well as Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils.
In addition, the riders said the newly introduced ₦25,000 permit levy by the FCT Transportation Secretariat placed an extra financial burden on them.
They further alleged that they are required to pay a ₦300 ticket each time they enter markets within Abuja, a situation they said amounts to multiple taxation.
The FCTA said the suspension of enforcement would remain in place until broader consultations are concluded and a resolution acceptable to all parties reached.
