In a decisive move to curb economic sabotage and protect citizens from unlawful extortion, the Edo State Government, led by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced an indefinite ban on all forms of illegal revenue collection by certain unions and organizations operating across the state.
The government expressed grave concern over the resurgence of unauthorized dues, levies, and extortion tactics being deployed by unions and groups that had previously been given limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS). According to the government, these groups have grossly violated the terms of their engagement, resorting to cash collections, harassment, and intimidation of residents under various guises.
The affected groups include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheels, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd—a private consultant previously engaged to enforce compliance. These entities have now been officially banned from all revenue-related activities with immediate effect.
“Credible reports indicate that these unions and the consultant firm have been involved in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate. Their actions amount to economic sabotage and social oppression, and the government will not tolerate such affronts to law and order,” the statement read.
Effective immediately:
- All activities of the listed unions and consultants are suspended.
- No individual or group under these bodies is authorized to collect payments of any kind from motorists, drivers, traders, or the general public.
- All road users are strongly advised to refuse and report any illegal levy or extortion attempts.
The public is urged to report any such illegal activity to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.
In addition, the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies have been instructed to arrest and prosecute anyone caught violating this directive.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sanitizing the state’s revenue collection system and protecting residents from unlawful exploitation. He emphasized that the era of using unions as instruments of harassment and extortion is over.
“This is a final warning to anyone engaging in or planning such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you,” the governor declared.
