In a decisive move to curb illegal revenue collection, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has banned the unlawful daily tolls imposed by transport unions across Kogi State’s 21 Local Government Areas.
The governor issued the directive on Wednesday in Lokoja during a strategic meeting with transport union officials, security agencies, and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS).
Represented by Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, Governor Ododo made it clear that his administration will not tolerate personal or group interests that undermine public welfare.
At the heart of the meeting was the 2017 Kogi State Revenue Harmonization Law, which introduced the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy (IML)—a modest daily contribution by commercial vehicle operators aimed at improving state infrastructure.
However, the governor lamented that certain transport union leaders have hijacked the system, diverting funds for personal gain while imposing unauthorized levies on their members.
“Instead of remitting these funds as stipulated, some union officials have resorted to illegal collections, depriving both their members and the government of much-needed revenue,” Ododo stated.
To restore transparency and accountability, the governor ordered security agencies to enforce compliance immediately, warning that disruptions to public order will not be tolerated. He also reaffirmed that:
Union dues must be collected fairly—monthly, bi-annually, or annually—not as a daily burden on transport operators.
New Infrastructure Maintenance Levy rates have been established through stakeholder consultations to ease the financial strain on motorists while ensuring unions’ interests are considered.
Top government officials including State Security Adviser Cdr Jerry Omodara, Commissioner of Transportation Victor Atuluku, and KGIRS Executive Chairman Alhaji Salihu Sule Enehe have been tasked with implementing the new policy seamlessly.
Governor Ododo’s directive is seen as a bold step toward eliminating extortion in the transport sector while securing sustainable revenue for infrastructural development.
The new policy aims to strike a balance between the interests of the state, transport unions, and the general public, ensuring that Kogi’s roads and transport infrastructure receive the necessary funding without overburdening motorists.
With strict enforcement underway, the era of illegal daily toll collection is officially over in Kogi State.
