National Coalition of Ride Sharing Partners (NARCORP), the umbrella body of E-Hailing Cab services in Nigeria has called the attention of the Federal Government to what it describes as illegal levies and extortion by Security Agencies.

NARCORP made this known to some selected journalists at a recent press briefing in Abuja. capacity said that the situation has become unbearable as its members may be forced to seek redress via other means if the situation persists. 

Bodies under the aegis of NARCORP are: Online Hackney Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OHPAN), City Online Drivers Association (CODA), Transport Technology Drivers Association (TTDA), E-Hailing Transportation progressive Association (ETPA), National Union of E-Hailing Business Services (NUEBS) as well as Ladies On Wheels Association of Nigeria (LOWAN).

According to Mr Emeka Emerole, Deputy National Co-ordinator (DNC), Budget, Planning and Logistics of NARCORP, members of the Association are law abiding citizens of Nigeria who also contribute their individual and collective quota to the societal growth through taxes. 

He expressed dissatisfaction with the way their members are being harrassed and killed while the Security Agencies look the other way. He also said members are constantly exploited and extorted by Security Agencies, especially the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO).

"We call on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and well meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of an industry which is one of the highest employer of labour in the Country today. Our services have also helped to reduce youth restiveness and crime in the country, as most unemployed youths now find a means of profitable engagement. That invariably translates to more revenues to the Government in form of taxes".

"We call the Federal Government's attention to the dangers, humiliation and harrasment our drivers are daily subjected to. Our members have been gruesomely murdered and harrased by criminals who pose as riders, on a daily basis. 

"Today, we gather to let the world know the new twist of exploitation introduced by the Directorate of Road Transpsort Services, popularly known as (VIO) is meant to exploit and intimidate our drivers. The so-called Hybrid Vehicle Permit and Drivers' Card translates to unnecessary duplication of registration with the intent to make life more unbearable for our members", Mr Emerole stated.

He however called on members to go about their lawful activities without fear of intimidation as the body will explore all legal means to protect its members from the criminal and exploitative activities of the VIO.

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