The Edo State government on Wednesday has announced an immediate ban on the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels.
According to a statement by the Secretary to the state government, Umar Ikhilor, the affected unions are no longer permitted to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or members of the public across 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.”
The statement added that the ban also covers Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant previously hired to enforce compliance.
The government explained that credible revealed the firm and its workers were involved in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State.
The government described these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a clear violation to law and order. It stressed that the era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users under the guise of revenue collection has come to an end.
The government also warned that no individual or group under any of these unions is authorised to demand or 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 further stated that the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies have been duly informed and instructed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found defying 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.”
