Edo State Bans Illegal Revenue Collection by Transport Unions and Private Firm

The Edo State Government, led by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced an immediate ban on illegal revenue collection by certain unions, organizations, and a private consultant, citing widespread extortion, intimidation, and abuse of mandate.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the government expressed “grave concern” over the resurgence of unauthorized levies and cash collections across the state.

The ban affects the **National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private firm previously engaged to enforce revenue compliance.

The state said these groups, some of which had been given limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under strict terms, have violated their agreements by engaging in economic sabotage and harassment of motorists, traders, and road users.

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 statement read.


* All activities of the affected unions and the private firm are suspended indefinitely.
* No individual or group linked to them may collect any dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or members of the public in Edo State.
* Motorists and road users are advised not to make any payments to these banned entities.
* Reports of illegal collections should be made to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, via 0803 815 7126.

The Commissioner of Police and other security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone violating the order.

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting Edo residents from unlawful exploitation.

Let this serve as a final warning to all parties engaged in such illegal activities the full weight of the law will be brought upon you,” the statement concluded.