The Edo State Government, led by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced an immediate and indefinite ban on the activities of certain transport unions and organizations over alleged illegal revenue collection and extortion across the state.
In a statement, the government expressed deep concern about the resurgence of illegal levies, noting that some groups earlier given limited authorization to work with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under clear conditions had violated the terms of engagement.
According to the announcement, these groups resorted to cash collections, extortion, social harassment, and intimidation of motorists and traders.
Governor Okpebholo named the affected unions as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel. He declared that none of these unions are permitted to collect dues, levies, taxes, or charges from any member of the public in Edo State.
The ban also includes Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant previously engaged to enforce compliance. Reports reaching the governor indicated that the firm and its workers had been involved in widespread extortion, violating the trust placed in them.
“These actions are acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order,” the statement read. “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 ordered that no individual or group from the banned unions should collect payments from motorists or road users. It further advised drivers and road users to refuse any illegal levy imposed by these entities and to report such incidents immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, via 08038157126.
The Commissioner of Police and other security agencies have been instructed to arrest and prosecute anyone violating the directive.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the administration remains committed to sanitizing the state’s revenue system and protecting residents from unlawful exploitation.
“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,” he warned.
The directive is part of the government’s broader plan to ensure lawful revenue generation, boost economic growth, and maintain peace across Edo State, in line with its pledge to protect citizens’ rights and promote a fair business environment.