The Ogun State Government has launched a clampdown on unregistered motorcycle operators’ associations across the state, warning them to stop collecting revenues, levies and other charges from commercial motorcycle operators.

The government said only three associations — Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria Motorcycle Operators (ROMO), Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), and Association of Motorcycle Operators and Owners of Nigeria (ACCOMORAN) — are currently recognised to operate on public roads and designated parks in the state.

In a statement made available in Abeokuta by the Special Adviser, Information and Strategy. Hon. Kayode Akinmade the government described the activities of unapproved groups as a breach of the state’s regulatory framework, saying they undermine efforts to properly manage commercial motorcycle operations, threaten public order and encourage the illegal collection of revenues meant for government.

Akinmade specifically named ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other parallel motorcycle operators’ groups as organisations not authorised by the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation to operate revenue collection activities on public roads and parks.

The government also clarified that the affected groups were not approved by the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) to collect personal income tax or any other statutory charges from their members.

The special adviser explained that registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) only gives an organisation legal recognition and does not amount to a licence to participate in regulated commercial activities or collect government revenue.

He noted that although citizens have the constitutional right to form or belong to associations, such rights do not grant automatic approval to carry out regulated activities without obtaining the necessary permits and licences from relevant authorities.

The government further addressed the judgment delivered by Justice Akinyemi on March 28, 2023, which some affected groups have relied upon to justify their operations.

It said the judgment only upheld the right to freedom of association through CAC registration and did not authorise any group to operate commercial motorcycle services in public spaces or collect government revenues.

According to the government, the judgment did not set aside the state’s policy on the licensing and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations.
It has therefore directed ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other unapproved motorcycle associations to immediately stop all revenue collection and related activities in public areas.

The government warned that continued defiance would be treated as a violation of state regulations and an affront to lawful authority.

It however, assured residents that enforcement would be carried out professionally, peacefully and in accordance with the law.

The Ministry of Information has been directed to begin public awareness campaigns on the directive, while security and enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure compliance.

The government said individuals or groups found violating the order could face lawful sanctions, including arrest, seizure of property and prosecution where applicable.

Commercial motorcycle operators and members of the public were advised not to pay taxes, levies, subscriptions or other government-related charges to any association or individual not officially authorised by the state.

It urged stakeholders to cooperate with authorities in building a regulated, orderly and lawful commercial motorcycle transport system in Ogun State.