Delivery van drivers in Abuja have pleaded with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike over alleged unethical practices by some FCT officials.
They are concerned about conflicting permits and double charges imposed by FCTA officials.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Chairman of the FCT Delivery Van Drivers Association, Comrade Lawal Abdullahi, the drivers are being issued two separate and conflicting permits by different departments under the FCT Administration.
Abdullahi explained that the Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS) and the FCT Transportation Secretariat each issues different permits: the State Permit and the Haulage Permit.
“A copy of the purported permits issued by the two consultants is attached to this document for your perusal.
“This situation has become untenable and requires the immediate intervention of the Honourable Minister because unsuspecting members of the public are falling prey to these illegalities,” Abdullahi stated.
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He noted that drivers are now required to purchase both permits, with costs ranging between N35,000 and N50,000 depending on the seller.
He criticised the departments for not recognising each other’s permits, resulting in confusion and financial strain for drivers.
“For instance, if a driver pays for a permit from the Transportation Secretariat, DOAS always discredits such permits and refuses to accept them, and the same applies in reverse. This has left taxpayers in a dilemma, unsure of which permit is valid.
“Legal experts have confirmed that there is no legal or constitutional basis for the payments demanded by the consultants hired by the FCT Transportation Secretariat and DOAS. “These bodies are not authorized revenue collection agencies,” Abdullahi remarked.
He also expressed concern that the consultants involved, who are collecting fees dubbed ‘Wike’s Documents,’ seem to have no legitimate affiliation with the FCT Administration and are allegedly defrauding drivers.
“When taxpayers request to make payments into a government account, the consultants insist on collecting cash, thereby fueling suspicions about the actual destination of the money,” Abdullahi noted.
He highlighted the severe financial strain the practices are placing on drivers, who according to him, are already facing economic difficulties.
Abdullahi called on Wike to act promptly by abolishing these permit payments, which lack constitutional backing.
“This would alleviate the financial stress on drivers and restore order on Abuja roads,” he said.
The drivers urged Wike to investigate and hold accountable those exploiting his name for illegal extortion.
They also demanded prosecution of those involved and refunds to the government.
Additionally, they recommend that relevant departments collaborate with transport unions and stakeholders to address the challenges and find equitable solutions.
“A public awareness campaign is essential to educate drivers about their rights and responsibilities and to prevent them from falling victim to illegal payments and exploitation,” Abdullahi concluded.