Edo State Government Bans NURTW, RTEAN, ANNEWAT Over Illegal Revenue Collection and Extortion

Benin City, Edo State (August 6, 2025) – The Edo State government, under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken decisive action against illegal revenue collection by banning the activities of several transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels. The ban, effective immediately, prohibits these unions from collecting any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public within the state.

In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, the government expressed grave concern over the resurgence of illegal revenue collection by these unions. The statement further explained that these groups had violated the conditions of their engagement with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, resorting to cash collections, extortions, social harassment, and intimidation.

The ban extends to Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private consultant previously engaged to enforce compliance, due to credible reports indicating their complicity in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate.

The government has deemed these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order. The statement emphasized that the era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over.

The Edo State government has issued a stern warning that no individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users. 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. Any such illegal activity should be reported immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, at 08038157126.

The Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.

The Edo State government reiterated its commitment to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation. The government warned that the full weight of the law will be brought upon any parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities.