February 2, 2026 | Abuja
By SUNTV Global Channel
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has issued a stern warning to motorists and commercial transport operators against paying haulage fees to individuals allegedly operating under the guise of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
In an official statement on Monday, AMAC accused unauthorised persons wearing FCT-branded red T-shirts labelled “Haulage” of illegally extorting money from motorists across key entry points into the city.
The statement, signed by Kingsley Madaki, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the AMAC Executive Chairman, described the activities as fraudulent and misleading, stressing that the individuals are not recognised by the Council.
According to AMAC, the impostors falsely claim to be acting on behalf of the FCTA, which is headed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Jurisdictional Dispute Over Haulage Revenue
AMAC maintained that the collection of haulage fees within its jurisdiction is constitutionally vested in the Area Council, not the FCTA.
“It is the constitutional right of the Area Council, not the FCT Administration, to collect revenue on haulage,” the statement said.
The Council noted that it has received multiple reports of these individuals mounting roadblocks, particularly targeting heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles, and coercing drivers into making immediate cash payments.
By donning official-looking red shirts, AMAC said the agents create a false impression of federal authority, thereby intimidating motorists into compliance.
Council Disowns Red-Shirt Haulage Collectors
AMAC categorically distanced itself from the operation, describing it as a deliberate attempt to divert revenue meant for grassroots development and essential public services.
“AMAC does not authorise ‘FCT Haulage’ red shirts for any form of revenue collection,” the Council stated.
Motorists were advised to demand official AMAC-branded demand notices and valid staff identification cards before making any payment.
The Council further urged members of the public to immediately report any form of harassment, intimidation, or forced collection to the nearest law enforcement agency.
Longstanding Tension With FCTA
The latest warning comes amid ongoing tensions between the six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory and the FCTA over revenue collection powers.
AMAC reiterated that provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empower local governments to collect specific levies, including haulage fees and tenement rates.
As of the time of filing this report, the FCTA had not issued an official response to the allegations.
