Abuja van drivers urge Wike to address permit conflicts, double levies

Delivery van drivers in Abuja have appealed to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike over what they allege are unethical practices by some FCT officials. They allege conflicting permits, referred to as “Wike Documents,” and double-crossing of these officials.

At a press conference on Sunday, Comrade Lawal Abdullahi, Chairman of the FCT Delivery Van Drivers Association, revealed that the drivers were 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 Transport Secretariat each issue separate permits: the State Permit and the Transport Permit. “Copies of the said permits issued by both consultants are attached to this document for your perusal,” he added.

“This situation is no longer tenable and requires immediate intervention from the Honourable Minister, as unsuspecting members of the public are falling victim to these illegal acts,” Abdullahi said.

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He noted that drivers are now required to purchase both permits, which cost between N35,000 and N50,000 depending on the vendor. He criticized the departments for not recognizing each other’s permits, leading to confusion and financial stress for drivers. “For example, if a driver pays for a permit from the Transport Secretariat, DOAS always discredits the permit and refuses to accept it, and the same goes vice versa. This leaves taxpayers in a dilemma, not knowing which permit is valid,” Abdullahi said.

Legal experts have asserted that there is no legal or constitutional basis for the payments demanded by consultants hired by the FCT Transport Secretariat and DOAS. “These bodies are not legitimate revenue-collecting agencies,” Abdullahi said.

He also expressed concern that the consultants involved, who collected the fees dubbed ‘Wike Documents’, appeared to have no legitimate affiliation with the County Government and were allegedly defrauding drivers. “When taxpayers requested payment into the government account, the consultants insisted on collecting cash, raising suspicions about the real purpose of the money,” Abdullahi said.

He highlighted the severe financial pressure these practices place on drivers, many of whom are already facing economic hardship. Abdullahi called on Minister Wike to act swiftly by abolishing these permit payments, which are not supported by the constitution. “This will ease the financial pressure on drivers and restore order to the streets of Abuja,” he said.

The drivers urged Wike to investigate and hold accountable those exploiting his name for illegal extortion. They also demanded the prosecution of those involved and the return of money to the government. They also recommended that relevant departments work with transport unions and stakeholders to address the challenges and find equitable solutions.

“Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate drivers about their rights and responsibilities and prevent them from falling victim to illegal payments and exploitation,” Abdullahi concluded.

Abuja van drivers urge Wike to address conflicting permits, double allegations first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.