Edo Governor Okpebholo Bans Transport Unions, Cracks Down on Illegal Dues and Extortion
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued an indefinite ban on the activities of several transport unions and revenue collectors, citing widespread extortion and harassment of motorists and traders.
In a statement released Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, the governor announced the suspension of 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 tax enforcement firm linked to APC State Youth Chairman, Tony Kabaka.
The governor has prohibited all the listed groups and unions from collecting any form of levies, dues, taxes, or charges from motorists, traders, or the public across Edo State.
According to the government, the move follows “credible reports” of a resurgence in illegal revenue collection by these groups operating under various disguises, despite earlier restrictions on their powers.
“These unions were only permitted to operate in partnership with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under strict conditions,” the statement said. “However, they have grossly violated these terms — engaging in cash collections, extortion, harassment, and outright intimidation.”
Governor Okpebholo described their actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct challenge to law and order, warning that the era of using transport unions as fronts for harassment and illegal revenue collection is over.
Key directives from the ban include:
-
Total suspension of the affected unions and tax enforcement firm.
-
No individual or group under these unions is allowed to collect money from any road user.
-
All motorists and traders are urged not to pay any illegal levies or dues.
-
Reports of illegal activity should be directed to the Edo State Special Taskforce via SP Michael Anetor at 08038157126.
-
The Commissioner of Police and all security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone violating the order.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s commitment to sanitizing the revenue collection system and protecting residents from unlawful exploitation.
“This is a final warning. Anyone caught engaging in these illegal practices will face the full force of the law,” the statement warned.
