Conflicting Permit Issuance – Abuja Van Drivers Seek Wike’s Intervention

Abuja delivery Van drivers want the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to intervene in resolving the conflicting permit issuance faced by motorists in the territory.

FCT Chairman, Abuja delivery Van drivers, Comrade Lawal Abdullahi made the call during a media conference in Abuja.

Comrade Abdullahi expressed concern that there were two separate conflicting permits being sold to drivers by two departments under the FCT Administration, causing financial burden on motorists.

According to him, the Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage (DOAS) and the FCT Transportation Secretariat have employed consultants to sell different permits, called the State Permit, and the Haulage Permit.

He pointed out that the permit were being sold between N35,000 to N50,000, depending on who is selling the paper, and frowned at the fact that the two departments do not acknowledge each other’s permit.

“This situation has become untenable and requires the immediate intervention of the Honourable Minister, because unsuspecting public are falling prey of these illegalities of conflicting permits and double charges.

“Recently, Abuja drivers have been forced to purchase both permits, with costs ranging between N35,000 to N50,000, depending on who is selling the paper.Better still, these two departments do not acknowledge each other’s permits as their illegal enforcement team discredit each other. For instance, if a driver pays for a permit from the Transportation Secretariat, DOAS always discredit such.

“We are here to draw the attention of the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to the critical conflicting issue of Permit to Abuja motorists.

“We will like to bring to the notice of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike that …these two different approvals from the same administration is leading to confusion and unnecessary financial burdens.”

“They have no constitutional backing, and the stoppage would alleviate the financial stress on drivers and restore order on Abuja’s roads.We want the honourable minister to investigate and bring to book those using his name to extort money illegally from Abuja drivers”, Abdullahi said.

By Remi Johnson, Edited By Shakira Alabi