The Edo State government on Wednesday banned the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels, with immediate effect.
In a statement by the Secretary to the state government, Umar Ikhilor, the unions are not authorised to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in the state.
The statement reads, “The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, has observed with grave concern the alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection by certain unions and organisations under various guises across the State.
“It has become clear that some of these groups, previously given limited authorisation to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service under clearly defined terms, have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation.
“Specifically, the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels are hereby banned with immediate effect. All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely.
“These unions are not authorised to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in Edo State.”
According to the statement, the
The ban also extends to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant earlier engaged to enforce compliance.
The government said credible reports indicate that the firm and its workers have become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State.
The government said it considered these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order, noting that the era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over.
The government also warned that
No individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.
The statement added, “All motorists, drivers, and road users are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by these banned entities.
“Reports of any such illegal activity should be forwarded immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.”
The government said the Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been duly notified and directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.
The state government said it remained committed to sanitising the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation, adding, “Let this serve as a final warning to all parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you.”
(Punch)
