NLC threatens protest in Akwa Ibom, gives reasons

Union rejects N100,000 permit fee for dispatch riders, accuses transport ministry of intimidation and unlawful seizures

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has threatened to mobilise dispatch riders for a protest against the state government over a controversial N100,000 annual permit fee and alleged intimidation by officials enforcing the policy.

In a petition dated July 7 and addressed to the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Ikoedem Ekong, the union accused the Ministry of Transport of imposing what it called an “extortionist levy” on members of the National Union of Dispatch Riders and Mail Operators in Nigeria.

The petition, obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, also alleged that persons parading as members of the ministry’s task force are arresting dispatch riders and impounding their motorcycles.

The dispute follows weeks of complaints by riders on social media over the cost of registration and permits.

—Failed negotiations, rising fees—

The petition, signed by NLC Chairman Sunny James and State Secretary Alpha Marshall, said labour had engaged the Ministry of Transport several times without success.

According to the union, dispatch riders paid:
– N15,000 in 2023
– N20,000 in 2024
– N30,000 in 2025

Before the fee was raised to N100,000 this year.

The NLC said the new fee is inconsistent with other states, where annual permits allegedly range between N15,000 and N35,000.

“Between January 2026 and May 2026, more than four meetings and several communications with the Honourable Commissioner of Transport and his management team have taken place,” the petition stated.

It added that the commissioner’s “hard stance” left the dispute unresolved.

The union also alleged that enforcement began on July 6 with the seizure of motorcycles belonging to dispatch riders.

“It is clear that the principle of collective bargaining has failed at this time,” the petition said, urging the labour commissioner to intervene and secure the release of impounded motorcycles to avert an industrial crisis.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. James said: “The NLC will mobilise the affected union to a protest against the government if they fail to call him to order,” referring to the transport commissioner.

—Transport commissioner defends policy—

The Commissioner for Transport, Anthony Luke, defended the permit regime, saying it was introduced to regulate dispatch riders operating motorcycles despite the state’s restriction on commercial motorcycle operations.

He alleged previous collections were not remitted to government. “People were being defrauded,” he said, but declined to name those responsible.

Mr. Luke also claimed security agencies had linked some riders to crime.

“Security agencies have found out that what is mostly found in those boxes the dispatch riders use is drugs and ammunition. More than 50 per cent of them are using it for illegal businesses,” he said.

He said the ministry introduced profiling to separate legitimate operators from criminals. The process includes collecting names, photographs, phone numbers, guarantors, and branding of motorcycles, delivery boxes and helmets.

According to him, the N100,000 is a one-off fee covering identity cards, branding, tracking and other security measures.

“It takes care of their tracking, identity cards, branding of the helmet they will be wearing, branding of their boxes,” he explained.

On why permits are being issued despite motorcycle restrictions, he said: “I met it that way. They had to approach us. As a listening government, we listened.”

Mr. Luke ended the call before further questions. PREMIUM TIMES also sent a detailed media enquiry on the policy justification, cost breakdown, legal basis for seizures, and whether the levy would be reviewed. He had not responded as of press time.

—Labour commissioner responds—

The Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Ikoedem Ekong, said he would “hear from both sides” before responding.

Ex Access Bank staff member arraigned for alleged N294.5m theft

“We will invite them today for a meeting,” he said on Thursday, July 9.

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly had weeks earlier directed the Ministry of Transport to intensify enforcement against unregistered dispatch riders, citing security concerns and revenue leakages.

With negotiations stalled and motorcycles being seized, labour says it is ready to take to the streets unless the government reverses the N100,000 fee.

[Premium Times]