In a sweeping reform aimed at sanitizing Edo State’s revenue collection system, Governor Monday Okpebholo has banned the collection of levies, dues, taxes, and other charges by private firms and unions across the state.

The ban, which takes immediate effect, specifically targets the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Youth Leader, Tony Kabaka Adun, and his private consulting firm, Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, as well as several transport-related unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel.

According to a statement from the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), published Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the move follows the “alarming resurgence of illegal revenue collection” by unions and groups operating under various guises across the state.

The government accused Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd and the affected unions of grossly violating the terms of engagement as set by the Edo State Inland Revenue Service (EIRS), resorting to unlawful cash collection, extortion, harassment, and intimidation of residents.

“These actions amount to 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,” the statement read.

It emphasised that no individual or group under these banned entities is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists, drivers, or road users.

“All motorists and road users are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by these suspended organizations,” the government warned.

The statement further directed the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor, to act on reports of violations and provided a hotline (08038157126) for public complaints.

The Commissioner of Police and other security agencies have also been instructed to arrest and prosecute anyone found contravening the directive.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to cleansing the revenue system and protecting citizens from unlawful exploitation.

“This serves as a final warning. Anyone engaged in or planning to engage in such illegal activities will face the full weight of the law,” he said.