The Edo State Government has denied authorizing any union to collect revenue from commercial drivers in the state, following widespread complaints about illegal levies imposed by individuals posing as union officials.
This clarification come after reports that some persons, allegedly under the newly inaugurated leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), have been collecting N1,000 from bus drivers and N500 from taxi drivers. These actions led to a peaceful protest by drivers on December 20, 2024, who decried the forced payments and the subsequent hike in transport fares.
Reacting to the situation, Governor Monday Okpebholo set up a high-powered committee to address the issue and prevent it from escalating into a crisis. The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, includes the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, the NURTW President, representatives of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Drivers on Wheels, and other stakeholders.
Kelly Okungbowa, State Coordinator of the Edo State Public Response Safety Team (PRST) and a member of the committee, led a sensitization campaign across motor parks in Benin City to communicate the government’s directive. He affirmed that Governor Okpebholo had not authorized any group to collect revenue from drivers.
“Some individuals have been collecting revenue from drivers under the guise of union activities, prompting protests. The governor has ordered an immediate halt to these collections until further notice, as his administration reviews and establishes a new revenue collection framework,” Okungbowa stated.
Drivers have praised the governor for his swift action. Mr. Nnamdi Chidi, a driver in the Sakponba area, commended the government for intervening and preventing the issue from escalating into a full-blown crisis. Another driver, Mr. Uche Umeh, expressed relief, saying, “We are happy that for now, we know we are not to pay any revenue until the government announces the way forward.”
It will be recalled that Governor Okpebholo, upon assuming office, placed a ban on revenue collection to develop a more sustainable and transparent system for all stakeholders.
