PRESS STATEMENT:On the Strike by Tricycle Operators in Abuja Against Double Taxation

 

PRESS STATEMENT

14^th January, 2026

Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN)
On the Strike by Tricycle Operators in Abuja Against Double Taxation

The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) stands firmly with the thousands of tricycle operators across the Federal Capital Territory who have embarked on strike action in protest against the unbearable regime of double taxation imposed by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

For years, tricycle riders have remained one of the major pillars of urban transportation in Abuja serving communities where commercial buses do not reach, providing affordable mobility for workers, students, market women, and the urban poor. Instead of being supported, they are being squeezed dry by an unjust and exploitative revenue system designed without transparency, accountability, or regard for the economic realities facing ordinary Nigerians.

The current imposition of multiple levies, daily tickets, access fees, loading charges, and enforcement “fines” has pushed operators to breaking point. Many riders now earn less than what is required to feed their families, maintain their tricycles, or pay rent. The attempt by FCDA and AMAC to extort parallel taxes while providing no infrastructure, no designated parks, no insurance, and no social support represents nothing but legalized exploitation.

We condemn in the strongest terms the harassment, intimidation, arrest, and impoundment of tricycles by taskforce officials who operate like revenue militias rather than public officers. The working people who power the transportation system of our capital city must not be treated as criminals simply because they refuse to be impoverished by anti-poor policies.

WYSN therefore demands:

1. Immediate suspension of all forms of double taxation imposed on tricycle operators by FCDA and AMAC.
2. A transparent dialogue with elected representatives of the tricycle unions, not handpicked stooges.
3. Clear, unified, and affordable tax policy that does not exploit workers or undermine their livelihood.
4. An end to taskforce brutality, arbitrary arrests, and the impoundment of tricycles.
5. Provision of designated tricycle routes, parks, and safety infrastructure funded from existing taxes—not new ones.

We call on labour unions, civil society groups, student bodies, and community associations to stand in solidarity with the tricycle operators. Their fight is part of a wider struggle against anti-poor governance, revenue racketeering, and policies that deepen poverty while political elites insulate themselves from economic hardship.

WYSN salutes the courage and peaceful resistance of the tricycle operators. We affirm that the right to strike, protest, and resist exploitation is constitutional, legitimate, and necessary for democracy to thrive.

An injury to one is an injury to all.

Signed:
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN)

Secretary

Salako Kayode