The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to urgently intervene in an ongoing dispute between the state’s Ministry of Transport and dispatch riders.
The labour union warned that the current friction could trigger a major industrial crisis across the state if left unresolved.
In a formal petition addressed to Governor Umo Eno, the NLC accused the Ministry of Transport of imposing an excessive annual permit renewal fee on dispatch riders.
According to the union, the fee was abruptly hiked to ₦100,000, representing a massive jump from the ₦30,000 charged just last year.
The petition, jointly signed by the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, noted that organized labour has been trying to settle the matter amicably for months.
The NLC stated that it has held several meetings with transport ministry officials since January in a bid to resolve the pricing dispute, but claimed these discussions failed to produce a mutual agreement.
Adding to the tension, the union alleged that individuals operating as members of the ministry’s task force have escalated the conflict.
These agents have reportedly begun arresting dispatch riders and impounding their motorcycles on the streets over non-payment of the newly introduced levy.
Consequently, the NLC is urging Governor Eno to step in, review the steep permit fees, and order the immediate release of all impounded motorcycles.
The union concluded with a stern warning, stating that organized labor may be compelled to take further action if the state government allows the dispute to remain unresolved.
