Ododo Bans Illegal Levy Collection by Transport Unions in Kogi

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has announced a ban on all illegal collection of daily revenue by transport unions across the 21 local government areas of the state.

The Governor directed security agencies to enforce strict compliance with the ban, emphasizing that his administration would not tolerate disruptions to public order in its implementation. This directive was made during an enlarged meeting held on Wednesday in Lokoja, with transport union officials, security agencies, staff of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, and other stakeholders in attendance.

While the governor acknowledged the constitutional rights of individuals to freedom of association, he emphasized that union dues must be fair, agreed upon by members, and collected periodically—monthly, bi-annually, or annually—as stipulated in their by-laws, rather than on a daily basis. The governor, represented by the state’s Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, stressed that the practice of daily illegal levies could not continue under a responsible government.

“In 2017, the Kogi State Revenue Harmonization Law introduced the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy (IML), a small daily contribution by commercial vehicles plying our roads,” Governor Ododo noted. “This levy was designed to maintain and improve the state’s infrastructure, which is essential for economic growth. Unfortunately, some union leaders have undermined the purpose of this levy by prioritizing personal gain over the welfare of their members and the state’s development.”

He added that instead of properly remitting these funds, some union leaders had been collecting illegal dues, depriving both their members and the state of crucial revenue needed for infrastructure development and public welfare.

The Governor also clarified the official daily Infrastructure Maintenance Levy rates, which range from N500 to N700, depending on the vehicle type and its operational area within the state. These rates were set after consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the transport unions, and aim to ease the financial burden on operators while considering the interests of the unions.

“We count on the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative, which is aimed at enhancing our infrastructure and improving the standard of living for all residents of Kogi State,” Commissioner Fanwo stated.

The Deputy Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Peter Fashola, pledged the security agencies’ full support to enforce the compliance.

Representatives of the transport unions, Yahaya Ibrahim of the NURTW and Ovoro Abdullahi Ovurevu for tricycle operators, both assured they would educate their members on the new directive to ensure smooth implementation.