…these unions were earlier permitted to work with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
EDO, NIGERIA -The iNews Times|Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced an indefinite suspension of the activities of key transport and revenue-related unions in the state. The affected groups include the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and a private tax enforcement firm, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd.
In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, the governor’s decision was triggered by credible reports of the resurgence of illegal revenue collection, harassment, and extortion by these groups across the state. These activities were said to have been carried out under the guise of collecting taxes and levies from motorists, drivers, and traders.
The governor, who described himself as “people-loving,” emphasized that the suspension was necessary to restore sanity, end social intimidation, and protect the economic rights of Edo residents.
While the unions and the private firm had previously been granted conditional authorisation to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) for structured revenue collection, the government said they grossly violated the terms of engagement. Instead of operating transparently, they allegedly resorted to unauthorized cash collections, acts of intimidation, and public harassment—actions Governor Okpebholo labeled as “economic sabotage and social oppression.”
A particularly notable inclusion in the ban is Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd., a firm reportedly linked to Tony Kabaka, the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Youth Chairman. The administration said the company and its operatives had betrayed the public trust by becoming complicit in widespread abuse of power and extortion, thus justifying the revocation of its mandate.
The statement read in part: “The era of using unions or private firms as tools for harassment, extortion, and intimidation in the name of revenue enforcement is over. The Edo State Government will no longer tolerate such practices.”
The government has therefore warned all motorists, drivers, and the general public to desist from paying any levies, dues, or taxes to members of these banned groups. Instead, they are encouraged to report any such illegal demands to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, via 08038157126.
To ensure enforcement, the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies have been fully briefed and directed to arrest and prosecute any individuals or groups who violate the new directive.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforming the revenue collection system, protecting citizens from unlawful exploitation, and upholding law and order in Edo State.
“This serves as a final warning to all parties involved in, or considering, such illegal activities. The full weight of the law will be brought upon anyone who undermines the peace and economic wellbeing of our people,” the statement concluded.
