The Edo State Government has announced an immediate ban on the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) due to their alleged involvement in illegal revenue collection across the state.
According to a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, the decision followed the resurgence of unlawful levies and extortion by various unions and groups operating under different guises.
“The activities of the NURTW, RTEAN, ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel are hereby banned with immediate effect,” the statement read. “These unions are not authorised to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in Edo State.”
The government revealed that some of the affected groups had initially received limited authorisation to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under strict guidelines. However, they reportedly violated those terms by engaging in cash collections, harassment, intimidation, and other illegal activities.
A private consultant previously engaged to enforce compliance was also implicated in widespread extortion and abuse of authority and has been included in the ban.
“The government considers these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order,” the statement added. “The era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over.”
The state government has advised motorists, drivers, and road users not to pay any form of cash to these banned groups and to report any illegal activity to the Edo State Special Task Force.
Security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, have been directed to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the directive.
Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sanitising the state’s revenue system and protecting residents from unlawful exploitation.
“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,” the government warned.
