Edo Govt Cracks Down on Illegal Revenue Collection, Bans NURTW, RTEAN, Others

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government, led by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken a decisive step to protect its citizens from extortion and exploitation by banning certain unions and organizations from collecting revenue under various guises. The affected unions include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel.

According to the government, these unions have grossly violated the terms of their engagement with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment, and intimidation. The government has received credible reports of widespread abuse of mandate and exploitation of motorists, drivers, and traders.

The Edo State Government has imposed an immediate ban on the activities of these unions, effective immediately. No individual or group under these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users. The government has also directed the Commissioner of Police and relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating this directive.

The government remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation. Motorists, drivers, and road users are 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 to the Edo State Special Taskforce.

The Edo State Government’s decision marks a new era in revenue collection, where citizens will no longer be subjected to extortion and harassment. The government is determined to ensure that revenue collection is done in a transparent and lawful manner, without exploiting citizens.

The government has issued a final warning to all parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon them. The government will not tolerate any form of extortion or exploitation of its citizens.