Edo Government Bans Transport Unions Over Extortion And Illegal Levies

The Edo State Government has wielded a decisive hammer against the rampant extortion culture festering within its transport sector, announcing an immediate ban on the activities of key transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels.

In a strongly worded statement released by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo condemned what it described as the “alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection” by unions and organisations operating under various deceptive guises across Edo.

“These groups, initially granted limited authorisation to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under strict conditions, have flagrantly violated their mandates — resorting to cash extortions, harassment, and social intimidation,” the statement read.

Effective immediately, the listed unions are stripped of all rights to collect dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any public member within Edo State. The ban also extended to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private enforcement consultant whose operatives have allegedly become complicit in widespread abuse, betraying the State’s trust.

The government minced no words, labeling the conduct of these entities as “economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order.” It declared the era of “unions masquerading as fronts for intimidation and unlawful revenue collection” officially over.

“All motorists, drivers, and road users are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with illegal levies imposed by these banned entities,” the statement emphasised. Reports of such extortion are to be directed to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor (08038157126).

Security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, have been ordered to arrest and prosecute any violators of this directive. The government reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising the revenue system, vowing that anyone caught perpetuating illegal collections would face the “full weight of the law.”

This move comes amid growing public outcry against union-backed racketeering, with traders, transporters, and road users lamenting incessant harassment, arbitrary fees, and physical intimidation on Edo roads.