Comrade Lawal Abdullahi, Chairman of the Abuja Drivers Delivery Van Association, has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, to address an escalating crisis involving conflicting permits, which has left drivers in the FCT financially burdened and confused. At a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday, Abdullahi described the issue as a form of “legal extortion” orchestrated by consultants hired by two separate FCT departments.
Abdullahi revealed that the Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS) and the FCT Transportation Secretariat have each engaged consultants to sell different types of permits to Abuja motorists. One, known as the “State Permit,” and the other, the “Haulage Permit,” are being enforced by different consultants, each charging hefty fees ranging from N35,000 to N50,000. However, the problem lies in the fact that these departments refuse to recognize each other’s permits, resulting in a situation where drivers are forced to pay for both.
“This is a nightmare for drivers in Abuja. We are being forced to buy two different permits, neither of which is recognized by the other department. Drivers are left paying double fees, and it is a form of legalized extortion that has no constitutional backing,” Abdullahi stated during the conference.
He went on to highlight how the situation has worsened the financial strain on drivers, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate. “Drivers are being harassed and coerced into paying for permits they don’t understand, and the fact that there are two conflicting permits has created an environment of confusion and exploitation,” he explained.
The chairman also voiced concerns over the role of the consultants involved, accusing them of operating under questionable conditions. “These consultants insist on cash payments, and there is a growing suspicion about where these funds are going. Drivers are being told that these payments are for ‘Wike’s Documents,’ despite there being no clear link to the FCT Administration. It’s clear that the situation is exploitative, and drivers have no choice but to comply,” Abdullahi lamented.
The crisis has drawn attention to the broader issues of governance and accountability within the FCT, as the use of consultants to enforce these conflicting permits has led to significant mistrust among drivers. Many fear that the system is being manipulated for personal gain, rather than serving the interests of the public or the drivers themselves.
In his appeal to Barr. Wike, Abdullahi urged the minister to take immediate action to resolve the matter by abolishing the dual permits system altogether. “We are calling on the Honourable Minister to put an end to this confusion. These permits are causing unnecessary financial burdens on drivers, and they lack any constitutional or legal backing. It is time for the FCT Administration to step in and restore order,” Abdullahi said.
Abdullahi emphasized that drivers, who play a crucial role in the economic life of the FCT, deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. He called for a single, streamlined permit system that would bring clarity and reduce financial pressures on drivers. He also expressed hope that Barr. Wike, known for his decisive leadership, would take swift action to resolve the issue.
“The solution is simple. Abolish these conflicting permits, or at the very least, streamline the system so that drivers aren’t being exploited. This will alleviate the financial stress on drivers and restore trust in the FCT’s governance,” Abdullahi concluded.
