Ifiok Itiaba - Uyo
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| Prince Ukpong Akpabio 11 KSJI |
Determined to restore sanity to the dispatch riding industry by ensuring comprehensive regulation and monitoring of operators, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a resolution mandating the state Ministry of Transport to immediately undertake and sustain a rigorous review of existing guidelines, with particular focus on the operations of unregistered dispatch riders, and take punitive actions against them.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II KSJI, during Tuesday's plenary at the temporary chambers at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uyo.
According to the motion titled "Need to Comprehensively Enforce Industry Regulations and Guidelines on Unregistered Dispatch Riders in the State," Prince Akpabio argued that unregistered riders pose a severe security threat across the state and also jeopardise the earnings of legitimate, registered riders.
"Unregistered dispatch riders who operate outside Ministry regulations and guidelines pose severe security threat as they can easily move contraband packages such as drugs or even firearms across the state with relative ease," he said.
"Further concerned that these unregistered dispatch riders are a serious threat to the earnings of legitimately registered riders who, having paid their license fees, should be able to enjoy the full financial benefits that come with such without illegal interference from unregistered operators."
Akpabio, who chairs the House Committee on Rules, Business, Ethics and Privileges noted that dispatch riders have become an integral part of the economy in Akwa Ibom State, providing essential delivery services to individuals and businesses.
He informed the House that the Nigerian dispatch ride industry is governed by the NIPOST Courier and Logistics Services (Operations) Regulations 2020, which requires, among other things, company registration, NIPOST license, minimum capacity, and payment of fees before operating as a dispatch riding company.
He noted that states also exercise regulatory and enforcement powers over dispatch riding operations in areas such as riders' license and motorcycle documentation, including Hackney permit and proof of ownership or registration.
Akpabio further disclosed that in Akwa Ibom State, the Ministry of Transport requires dispatch riders to register with the ministry, undergo biometric capture, and wear reflective vests bearing company identification, among other requirements.
Expressing worry over the high number of motorcycle riders with boxes strapped to the back of their bikes without requisite registration masquerading as dispatch riders, the lawmaker noted that the activities of these unregistered operators rob the state of revenue.
The Assembly therefore directed the Ministry of Transport to immediately commence a sustained enforcement exercise, warning that any dispatch rider found operating outside the state's registered guidelines would face the full weight of the law.
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