Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo has banned the collection of daily revenue collection by unions in the 21 local government areas of the state.
At an emergency meeting held at the Revenue House in Lokoja, Ododo said the implementation and collection of infrastructure maintenance levy policy has been undermined by some union leaders who prioritise personal gain over the interest of their members and the state.
The governor, who was represented by
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, noted that instead of remitting the funds as stipulated, the union leaders have resorted to collecting illegal membership dues, depriving both their members and government of much needed revenue.
He said, “In 2017, the Kogi State Revenue Harmonization Law introduced the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy — a small daily contribution by commercial vehicles plying our roads. This levy was established to maintain and improve the state’s infrastructure, which is vital for economic growth.
“Unfortunately, the implementation of this law has been undermined by some union leaders who prioritize personal gain over the interests of their members and the state.
“Instead of remitting these funds as stipulated, they have resorted to collecting illegal membership dues, depriving both their members and the government of much-needed revenue.
“As a responsible government, we cannot allow this trend to continue unchecked. Effective immediately, the collection of daily revenue by unions in all 21 Local Government Areas is banned.
“Security agencies have been directed to enforce strict compliance, and we will not tolerate any disruptions to public order in the implementation of this directive.
“While we respect the constitutional rights of individuals to freedom of association, we emphasize that union dues must be fair, agreed upon by members, and collected monthly, bi-annually, or annually as specified in their by-laws not daily.”
On his part, the State Security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd) assured that the policy will be implemented with full force.
Omodara urged all the union associations to work within the ambit of the law.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Levi, said the policy was not introduced to witch hunt anybody.
It was gathered that all the top security chiefs in the state are expected to have a closed door meeting to discuss how the new policy will be adequately implemented in the state.
