FCT dispatch riders protest ‘multiple taxation’
Thousands of Dispatch Riders Protest Against Multiple Taxation in Abuja
ABUJA — Thousands of dispatch riders gathered Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory Administration Secretariat to protest what they termed “multiple taxation.”
The riders are calling for intervention from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in response to allegations of extortion by various tax collectors. During the protest, Olawale Ilesanmi, a spokesperson for the riders, emphasized their commitment to fulfilling tax obligations but expressed concern over the increasing burden of multiple taxes.
“This protest is to say ‘no to multiple taxation’ and to urge the FCT Minister to eliminate what we consider unlawful levies,” Ilesanmi stated.
He explained that dispatch riders currently pay taxes to several local councils, including the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, and Gwagwalada. Many riders have reported being subjected to a new fee of N25,000 by the FCT Administration, a charge they argue is significantly higher than what is collected by the area councils.
Ilesanmi noted that several motorcycles have been impounded, with owners required to pay the new fee for their release. “We understand our obligation to pay tax and have been compliant each year, but suddenly we face new demands from an unexpected group of tax collectors associated with the FCT Administration,” he said.
Moreover, Ilesanmi highlighted that riders are also charged N300 every time they enter a market in Abuja. “If we enter the market ten times in a day, that adds up to N3,000,” he explained.
The protest concluded after officials from the FCT Transportation Secretariat engaged with leaders of the dispatch riders, who are hopeful for a resolution to their concerns.
