The Edo State Government has announced an immediate ban on a private consultant, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Limited, and several transport unions from collecting any form of taxes, dues, levies, or charges from motorists across the state.
This directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin City by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.
According to the statement, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Limited, reportedly owned by the youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, had previously been contracted by the government to enforce tax compliance. However, credible reports reaching Governor Monday Okpebholo revealed that the firm had allegedly engaged in widespread extortion and abuse of its mandate.
“The consultant and the unions were previously given limited authorisation to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), under clearly defined terms,” Ikhilor said. “But they have grossly violated the conditions of engagement, resorting to cash collections, extortion, social harassment, and intimidation.”
The banned transport unions include:
National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)
Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN)
ANNEWAT
Drivers on Wheels
The state government decried the “alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection” by some groups operating under different guises, describing such activities as acts of economic sabotage and social oppression.
“All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely,” the statement added. “No individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.”
The government also warned motorists and drivers against complying with any illegal levy or making cash payments to these now-banned groups.
To enforce the new directive, the Edo State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the order.
“The era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over,” Ikhilor warned. “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.”
Citizens are encouraged to report any such illegal revenue collection activities to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, via 08038157126.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sanitizing the state’s revenue system and safeguarding residents from unlawful exploitation.
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