In a move aimed at curbing the illegal collection of dues at haulage fee points, the Edo State Government has implemented a ban on unauthorized unions operating at parks across the state. This comes after growing concerns about the disruption caused by non-regulated revenue collectors at public transport hubs.
The new directive, which was announced on Wednesday, mandates that only authorized revenue collectors, identified by the issuance of official revenue scratch cards, are permitted to collect haulage fees from commercial vehicles. The announcement was made by the Executive Chairman of the Edo Inland Revenue Service (EIRS), Mr. Oladele Bankole-Balogun, in the state capital, Benin City.
“This practice has gone on for far too long, and it is no longer acceptable,” said Bankole-Balogun, emphasizing that haulage fee points should serve their intended purpose without interference from unauthorized groups. “Only legitimate, government-approved agents will be allowed to collect fees at designated locations. This step is necessary to ensure orderliness and transparency in our revenue collection system.”
The illegal practice, according to Bankole-Balogun, has caused considerable chaos, with unauthorized unions imposing their own fees on truck drivers and other transporters. This, he explained, has often led to confusion, unnecessary delays, and even violent altercations at some of the state’s busiest parks. The government’s new policy, therefore, seeks to restore order by strictly regulating revenue collection.
“We are not opposed to unions,” Bankole-Balogun clarified, addressing concerns that the move might negatively affect the legitimate workers’ associations. “The state government is committed to fostering an environment where unions can thrive and work collaboratively with the government. However, it is crucial that all unions operate within the boundaries of the law. This includes not collecting dues illegally or imposing unlawful charges on transporters.”
Why the Ban Was Necessary
The issue of illegal dues collection at haulage points has plagued Edo State for several years, with multiple reports of unauthorized unions exploiting transporters. These groups typically impose hefty charges that are not only inconsistent with government-established fees but also subject commercial drivers to harassment and exploitation.
The crackdown has also been driven by the need for transparency and accountability within the state’s revenue collection system. By restricting dues collection to officially authorized bodies, the state aims to prevent the diversion of funds meant for public use and to ensure that all payments are channeled into the appropriate coffers.
Mr. Bankole-Balogun further highlighted that the new policy is designed to minimize confusion, ensure that operations run smoothly, and avoid any unnecessary delays. “We must maintain the sanctity of the haulage points, and this step is pivotal to our larger goal of improving the efficiency of public revenue generation,” he stated.
Security Agencies on Alert
To ensure the enforcement of the new directive, the EIRS boss confirmed that security agencies across the state have been duly informed about the ban. “We are counting on the support of law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with this policy,” Bankole-Balogun said. “Those who continue to engage in illegal dues collection will face the consequences, as this is no longer a matter of choice but of law and order.”
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from various quarters. While some applaud the move, seeing it as a step toward greater accountability, others in the union sector view the ban as a challenge to their long-standing presence in the parks.
Reactions from Stakeholders
A member of one of the affected unions, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed concerns over the government’s decision. “This will hurt many of us who depend on these dues to feed our families,” the source stated. “While we agree that illegal practices should be discouraged, there should have been a better way to manage this rather than a blanket ban. We need to find a way to engage with the government on this issue.”
However, government officials are adamant that the ban is in the best interest of all parties involved. “The security and welfare of the people, including those in the transport sector, are paramount. We will not allow any group to compromise this by engaging in illegal activities,” said Bankole-Balogun, reinforcing the administration’s stance.
A Shift Toward Transparency
The decision to clamp down on illegal dues collection is also part of Edo State’s broader efforts to enhance operational transparency and improve the revenue collection framework. The state government has consistently emphasized the need for fairness, equality, and efficiency in all its fiscal processes.
The introduction of official revenue scratch cards, which are now mandatory for all legitimate revenue collectors, will create a clear system for verifying payments. These cards, Bankole-Balogun explained, will not only ensure that money is collected by the right individuals but will also create a transparent record for auditing and accountability.
“These measures are designed to make our revenue collection process foolproof. We want to eliminate the chaos caused by unauthorized collectors and ensure that every kobo collected at these parks is accounted for,” he added.
Edo’s Ongoing Reform Agenda
The latest move to regulate revenue collection is just one part of Edo State’s ongoing reform agenda, which aims to tackle corruption and improve the state’s financial integrity. The government has been working tirelessly to re-organize the public transport sector, streamline revenue collection systems, and promote economic growth while ensuring that all activities are carried out in a legal and transparent manner.
Observers believe that these efforts could set a precedent for other states to follow, especially in tackling the issue of illegal dues collection, which remains a significant challenge in many parts of Nigeria.
