AMAC Cautions Drivers on Unauthorized Haulage Collectors in Red Shirts

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has released an urgent advisory aimed at motorists and the general public, igniting a new dispute over the rightful authority to collect haulage fees within its jurisdiction.

In a stern statement, the Council cautioned that "unauthorized individuals" donning red T-shirts marked "Haulage" with FCT inscriptions are illegally patrolling the area, misleadingly asserting their representation for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

AMAC noted that the FCT Administration does not have the constitutional backing to collect haulage revenue.

"The right to collect revenue on haulage lies solely with the Area Council, not the FCT," the statement emphasized.

The Council observed a troubling trend where individuals falsely claiming to represent the FCTA's Department of Agricultural Services (DOAS) are exceeding their authority, encroaching upon the roles designated for local government.

Reports indicate that these unauthorized collectors have been spotted at key entry points into the capital, targeting heavy goods vehicles and commercial transporters. By wearing apparel that resembles official uniforms, they aim to instill fear in drivers, coercing them to make immediate payments in cash.

AMAC has formally disassociated itself from these imposters, condemning their actions as fraudulent and detrimental to revenue that is meant to fund local development projects.

The Council urged the public to stay alert and to resist such extortion attempts.

"AMAC does not recognize 'FCT Haulage' red shirts for any collection of revenue. Drivers are encouraged to request genuine AMAC-branded demand notices and valid staff identification cards,” it stated.

"Any instance of coercion or harassment must be reported to the nearest law enforcement agency."

This development follows protracted tensions between the six Area Councils of the FCT and the FCTA. The Area Councils argue that the 1999 Constitution confers upon local governments the authority to levy specific tolls, including haulage and tenement rates.

As of the time of this report, the FCTA has not provided a public response to these allegations.