Edo Government Bans NURTW, RTEAN, Others Over Illegal Revenue Collection

The Edo State Government has announced an indefinite ban on the activities of several transport unions and organizations allegedly involved in illegal revenue collection, harassment, and extortion across the State.

In a special announcement issued on Monday, August 5, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the State Government said it had observed with “grave concern” the resurgence of illegal revenue collection activities by certain unions and groups operating under various guises.

Among the affected groups are the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel. The activities of Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant previously engaged to enforce compliance with revenue regulations, have also been suspended indefinitely.

The State Government noted that while some of these groups were earlier given limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under defined terms, they have now “grossly violated” the conditions of their engagement by resorting to cash collections, extortion, social harassment, and intimidation of motorists, drivers, traders, and members of the public.

“The Government considers these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order. 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 statement read.

As part of the new directive:

No individual or group associated with the aforementioned unions or organizations is permitted to collect dues, levies, taxes, or any form of payment from motorists or road users.

Motorists, drivers, and the general public are strongly advised not to pay any illegal levies to these banned entities.

Reports of any such illegal activities should be immediately forwarded to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, via 08038157126.

The Edo State Government has directed the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found violating this order.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, according to the announcement, remains steadfast in his administration’s commitment to sanitizing the revenue system, restoring law and order, and protecting Edo residents from unlawful exploitation.

“Let this serve as a final warning to all parties engaged in or contemplating such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you,” the statement concluded.