Edo Govt bans NURTW, RTEAN, ANNEWAT, Atalakpa from tax, levy collection
Edo State Government has placed a ban on the activities of NURTW, RTEAN, ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels, prohibiting them from all forms of levy and tax collection from the public.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., “The activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels are hereby banned with immediate effect. These Union are not authorized to collect any form of dues, levy, taxes or charges from motorist, drivers, traders or any member of the public in Edo State.”
The ban also affected Atalapka Recovery Concept Ltd, a private company which was authorized by the State Government to enforce compliance in revenue collection.
The statement said that the affected bodies previously given limited authorization to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) have violated the terms upon which they were permitted to operate and have resorted to cash collections, extortions and intimidations of members of the public, which according to the government “are acts of economic sabotage, social oppression and a direct affront to law and order.”
The statement further read: “No individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.
“All motorists, drivers, and road users are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by these banned entities.
“Reports of any such illegal activity should be forwarded immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.”
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police and relevant security agencies have been notified and directed to prosecute any individual or group that breaches the directive.
