BENIN: The Edo State Government has imposed an immediate ban on the activities of several transport and commercial unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers NURTW and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN.
The ban comes in response to what the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration describes as a “resurgence of illegal revenue collection” and widespread extortion.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the government stated that these unions had violated the terms of their engagement and were engaged in “cash collections, extortions, social harassment, and intimidation.”
The ban extends to other groups such as ANNEWAT and Drivers on Wheel. The government also terminated the contract of its private consultant, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, citing “credible reports” that the firm had become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of its mandate.
Government described the activities of the unions as “acts of economic sabotage, social oppression and a direct affront to law and order.”
The statement declared that the era of using unions as fronts to harass and intimidate drivers and road users for revenue collection is over.
With the ban now in effect, the state government said no individual or group from the banned unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.
“The public is strongly advised not to pay any illegal levies. Reports of illegal activities should be immediately forwarded to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, at 08038157126.
“The Commissioner of Police and other security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating the directive”, the statement advised.
It said the government, under Governor Okpebholo, is committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting citizens from unlawful exploitation.
