The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern directive to halt the unauthorized collection of revenue from commercial drivers across the state. The announcement follows complaints that individuals, claiming to be affiliated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), have been illegally demanding payments from bus and taxi drivers.
On Friday, several drivers protested against the unauthorized revenue collection, revealing that bus drivers were being forced to pay N1,000 and taxi drivers N500. This practice led to an increase in transport fares and sparked discontent among the local driver community.
In response to the situation, Governor Okpebholo swiftly intervened and convened a committee to address the issue. The committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, aims to ensure the matter does not escalate into a crisis and that the state remains peaceful and stable. Members of the committee include the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, the President of NURTW, the President of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), and representatives from Drivers on Wheels, among others.
Kelly Okungbowa, the State Coordinator of the Edo State Public Response Safety Team (PRST) and a member of the committee, led a sensitization tour across various motor parks in Benin City to communicate the government’s position. Okungbowa reassured drivers that the governor is taking immediate action to stop all unauthorized revenue collection.
“The governor is not happy with the issue, and he has directed that no group or individual should collect any revenue from drivers until further notice,” Okungbowa said, emphasizing that the government has not given any union or group permission to collect funds from commercial drivers.
Governor Okpebholo, known for his commitment to fairness and the well-being of Edo people, has promised to announce a more structured approach to revenue collection once the state government has devised an enduring plan. In the meantime, drivers are advised to refrain from paying any fees until the government provides further guidance.
Several drivers, including Nnamdi Chidi and Uche Umeh, expressed their gratitude to the governor for his swift intervention. They commended his actions as a clear indication of his commitment to protecting the rights of drivers, who have faced intimidation and harassment by some union leaders.
Governor Okpebholo’s immediate action to resolve the issue reflects his determination to ensure the state’s stability and uphold the rights of its citizens while fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development.
