The Edo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has observed with grave concern the alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection by certain unions and organizations operating under various guises across the State. It has become evident that some of these groups—previously granted limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under clearly defined terms—have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement. They have resorted to illegal cash collections, extortion, harassment, and intimidation of citizens.
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 no longer authorized to collect any dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public within Edo State.
This ban also applies to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant previously engaged to enforce compliance. Credible reports received by the Governor indicate that the firm and its agents have become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of authority, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State Government.
The Government views these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order. The era of using unions as a front to harass, intimidate, and extort road users under the pretense of revenue collection is over.
Effective immediately:
No individual or group affiliated with the banned unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.
All motorists, drivers, and members of the public are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with illegal levies imposed by these banned entities.
Reports of such illegal activities should be directed to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.
The Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies have been duly notified and instructed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.
The Edo State Government, under the leadership of the people-focused Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, remains fully committed to sanitizing the revenue collection system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation. This serves as a final warning to all parties involved in or considering such illegal activities: the full force of the law will be brought against you.
