With immediate effect, the Edo State government on Wednesday outlawed the operations of Drivers on Wheels, ANNEWAT, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
The unions are not permitted to collect any kind of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from drivers, dealers, or any other member of the public in the state, according to a statement made by Umar Ikhilor, the secretary to the state administration.
The Edo State Government, led by Senator Monday Okpebholo, has noted with great concern the startling return of illicit income collection by several unions and organizations operating under different names around the State, according to the statement.
It is now evident that some of these organizations, who were previously granted restricted permission to work with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service under precise guidelines, have flagrantly broken the terms of their engagement and turned to extortion, cash collection, social harassment, and intimidation.
The statement states that the following unions are prohibited from collecting any kind of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from drivers, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in Edo State: “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.” Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant who was previously hired to enforce compliance, is also prohibited.
According to the government, reliable evidence show that the company and its employees have betrayed the State’s confidence by participating in widespread extortion and mandate abuse.
“The days of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection are over,” the administration declared, describing these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social injustice, and a direct affront to law and order.
The government also issued a warning, stating that no person or organization affiliated with any of these unions is allowed to demand payment in any way from drivers or other road users.
“It is strongly advised that all drivers and road users refrain from paying any cash or complying with any form of illegal levy imposed by these banned entities,” the statement continued.
“The Edo State Special Taskforce, led by SP Michael Anetor, should receive reports of any such unlawful activity right away via 08038157126.”
The government stated that all pertinent security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, have been duly informed and instructed to detain and prosecute any person or organization discovered to be in violation of this mandate.
“Let this be a final warning to all parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you,” the state administration declared, reaffirming its commitment to sanitizing the tax system and safeguarding its residents from unlawful exploitation.
