Reliable data on riders would assist government in transportation planning, regulation and engagement with businesses and residential estates
By Moses Okorie
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has entered into a partnership with the National Union of Dispatch Riders and Mail Operators of Nigeria (NUDRMON) to identify genuine dispatch riders and weed out criminal elements operating within the sector.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr Chinedum Elechi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with members of NUDRMON in Abuja.
Elechi said the collaboration became necessary following concerns over the growing number of unidentified dispatch riders operating across the Federal Capital Territory.
He said some unidentified riders were allegedly using their delivery boxes to conceal and transport illegal items, making it difficult for security agencies to distinguish legitimate operators from criminals.
According to him, the union’s newly developed membership database, online portal and unique identification numbers would provide a system for verifying dispatch riders operating in the FCT.
The mandate secretary described the initiative as an important development that would help separate legitimate riders from “bad eggs” and prevent the actions of a few criminals from damaging the reputation of the entire industry.
He assured the union of the support of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Transportation Secretariat, stressing that effective collaboration between the government and dispatch riders would improve security and regulation within the sector.
Elechi said the administration was ready to work with the union, noting that government could only adequately protect operators who were properly identified and known to the authorities.
Earlier, the National President of NUDRMON, Mr Emmanuel Kwaghdega, said the union introduced the database and unique body-number system to establish a verifiable identity for every registered dispatch rider.
Kwaghdega explained that dispatch riding had grown into a major source of employment for Nigerian youths, particularly following the expansion of delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said thousands of riders now provide daily services to restaurants, pharmacies, e-commerce companies, financial institutions, businesses and households.
However, he noted that the sector was facing growing challenges, including insecurity, traffic offences, road accidents, multiple operational permits and the lack of a unified identification system.
The NUDRMON president said these challenges were threatening the livelihood and reputation of genuine operators.
He explained that the union’s approach was based on the principle of “one ride, one identity and one verifiable body number,” which he said would make it easier for government, businesses and members of the public to identify legitimate riders.
Kwaghdega said the database would strengthen security and accountability while promoting responsible riding and supporting accident and welfare interventions for members.
He added that reliable data on riders would assist government in transportation planning, regulation and engagement with businesses and residential estates.
The union also expressed optimism that the identification system could help address the issue of multiple operational permits by providing a foundation for discussions on a harmonised regulatory framework.
Kwaghdega urged the FCTA to take ownership of the initiative and collaborate with NUDRMON to ensure its success.
He said government involvement would transform the project from a union-led initiative into a joint solution to transportation and security challenges in the FCT.
He commended the Transportation Secretariat for embracing collaboration with the union, saying the approach would help promote greater organisation, accountability and public confidence in the dispatch riding industry.