Abuja: The Transportation Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has formed a strategic partnership with the National Union of Dispatch Riders and Mail Operators of Nigeria (NUDRMON) aimed at identifying and eliminating criminal activities among dispatch riders in the region. The collaboration was announced by the Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, during a meeting with union members in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Elechi highlighted that the partnership is facilitated through the development of a membership database, portal, and identification system by NUDRMON. This initiative is designed to differentiate legitimate dispatch riders from those operating without identification, some of whom are suspected of carrying illegal items. Elechi praised the union’s leadership for their proactive approach, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the government to enhance security measures.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, along with the transport secretariat, has pledged full support for this initiative. Elechi emphasized the significance of isolating criminal elements within the dispatch riding community, stating, “With this initiative, now we can isolate the bad eggs because it is usually common to paint people with one brush.” He assured the union of the administration’s readiness to work closely with them and expressed satisfaction with the partnership.
On the part of the union, the National President, Mr. Emmanuel Kwaghdega, explained that the database and unique body number system aim to provide a verifiable identity for every registered rider. Kwaghdega noted that dispatch riding has become a vital source of livelihood for many Nigerian youths, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by the profession, including security issues, traffic violations, and the lack of a unified identification system.
Kwaghdega articulated the union’s vision of ensuring “one ride, one identity, and one verifiable body number,” which he believes will enhance security, promote accountability, and support welfare interventions. He emphasized the importance of having credible data to engage with businesses and the government for better planning and regulation. Additionally, he expressed optimism that the initiative will address the issue of multiple operational permits and lead to a more harmonized framework.
The union president urged the FCT Administration to embrace the initiative as a shared solution to transportation and security challenges in the capital. He commended the FCTA Transportation Secretariat for choosing collaboration over confrontation and expressed gratitude for their support in this endeavor.