Ban on NURTW, RTEAN: Edo arrests 10 over illegal revenue collection
Edo State Government has confirmed the arrest of 10 persons for allegedly engaging in unlawful revenue collection from commercial drivers and traders across the state.
The arrests come in the wake of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive banning unauthorised revenue collection by transport and trade unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel, and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd.
Governor Okpebholo had earlier outlawed the operations of these groups for reportedly engaging in extortion, harassment, and intimidation, which contravened the conditions under which they were previously allowed to partner with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, EIRS.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Osarodion Musa Ikhilor, said the administration is fully committed to reforming the revenue system and shielding citizens from undue economic exploitation.
He noted that the governor acted swiftly after receiving complaints about the activities of illegal collectors.
The suspects were apprehended at various locations, including Oka Market at Upper Sakponba, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road, and Oba Market.
Ikhilor reiterated that the only body currently authorised to collect government revenue is the EIRS, working in collaboration with local government councils and designated agents, strictly through electronic payment channels such as Point-of-Sale, POS, terminals. He emphasized that cash transactions are strictly prohibited.
“This administration has zero tolerance for extortion and oppression. We encourage market women, drivers, and traders to report any incidents of unauthorised collections via the government’s official helpline.
“The governor is determined to ensure fairness, justice, and transparency in the state’s revenue collection process,” he said.
The arrested suspects, he said, will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for prompt prosecution.
“This is just the beginning, the clampdown will continue until all illegal actors are rooted out and a clean, accountable revenue system is fully restored,” Ikhilor added.
Ban on NURTW, RTEAN: Edo arrests 10 over illegal revenue collection
