By Uwakmfon UMOEKA
The long-standing challenges facing dispatch riders in Akwa Ibom State have taken centre stage in several state tabloids following growing agitation over the Ministry of Transport’s decision to peg the 2026 riders’ permit at ₦100,000.
The proposed fee, announced in 2025, sparked widespread discontent within the dispatch riders’ community, many of whom described the amount as excessive, unrealistic, and insensitive to prevailing economic realities. The development triggered protests and renewed calls for organised representation among riders across the state.
Out of this agitation emerged the National Union of Dispatch Riders and Mail Operators of Nigeria (NUDRMON), a labour-affiliated union with its national headquarters in Abuja and strong ties to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The union formally extended its operations to Akwa Ibom State in late December 2025, with a mandate to protect the welfare and professional rights of dispatch riders.
NUDRMON’s entry effectively marked a transition from the Akwa Ibom State Dispatch Riders Association (AKSDRA), which many riders had accused of being ineffective and unable to adequately represent their interests in recent years.
Since its inauguration in the state, the union has recorded notable progress, largely attributed to the leadership of its pioneer Chairman, Comrade Solomon Tom, and Vice Chairman, Comrade Andy Edet. Their efforts have helped bring the concerns of dispatch riders to the attention of government authorities and the wider public.
Ongoing registration of riders is being coordinated by the union’s pioneer Secretary, Comrade Richard Sunday, who has urged all dispatch riders operating within the state to enrol. According to the union, membership confers legal recognition and offers protection against alleged harassment and intimidation by task forces of the Ministry of Transport.
Observers note that the increased media attention now being given to dispatch riders’ concerns represents a significant shift from previous years, when such issues reportedly received little official attention.
With NUDRMON now firmly established in Akwa Ibom State, stakeholders believe the collective voice of dispatch riders is stronger and better positioned to engage government constructively on policy decisions affecting their livelihoods.
Comrade Uwakmfon Umoeka is a dispatch rider, media enthusiast, public affairs analyst, and the pioneer Public Relations Officer of NUDRMON, Akwa Ibom State.
