Edo State Government has banned the activities of certain unions and organisations, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), over alleged illegal revenue collection and extortion.
Gatekeepers News reports that a statement signed by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, the government expressed concern over the alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection by these groups across the state.
The unions were previously authorised to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under clearly defined terms, but have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement.
“It has become clear that some of these groups, previously given limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) 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 Wheel, are hereby banned with immediate effect. These unions are not authorized to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in Edo State.
“This ban also extends to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant earlier engaged to enforce compliance. Credible reports reaching the people-loving Governor, 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 considers these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order. 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 has directed the Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.”
A special taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, has been set up to receive reports of any such illegal activity.
“All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely.
“Henceforth:
– No individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.
– 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 Edo State Government has warned that the full weight of the law will be brought upon anyone engaged in or considering such illegal activities.
The government said it remains committed to sanitising the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation.
