In sweeping reform, the Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo has banned the State youth leader of the All Progressives Congress, Tony Kabaka Adun behind Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private Consultant led from collecting any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in Edo State on behalf of the State government.
The ban, which is with immediate effect, extends to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel, according to public Announcement from the office of the Secretary to the State Government, published late Tuesday August 5th 2025.
Atalakpa Recovery Concept Limited and other unions, were accused of grossly violating the conditions of their engagement under clearly defined terms of the regulator — Edo State Inland Revenue Service (EIRS) and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation of residents of the State.
The Government said having “observed with grave concern the alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection by certain unions and organizations under various guises across the State”; “It 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”, it said.
Accordingly, “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”.
The statement urged members of the public to report any such illegal activity to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.
It also mandated the the Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been duly notified and directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.
“This ban also extends to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant earlier engaged to enforce compliance. Credible reports reaching the people-loving Governor, indicate that the firm and its workers have become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State.
“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.
“All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely.
“Henceforth: 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 Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been duly notified and directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.
“Edo State Government, under the leadership of the people-loving Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation.
“Let this serve as a final warning to all parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you”, the statement urged.
