Governments often implement policies to maintain order and ensure fair financial practices, especially when systems are exploited for personal gain.
When revenue collection becomes a tool for misconduct, authorities must step in to restore accountability and protect public interest.
The Kogi State Government has banned trade unions from collecting daily revenue across all 21 local government areas of the state.
Governor Usman Ododo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, announced this decision on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kogi State.
He emphasised that the government remains committed to supporting individuals and groups in ways that contribute to the state’s development.
Kogi Government’s Justifies Ban
Fanwo explained that in 2017, the Kogi State Revenue Harmonisation Law introduced the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy (IML), requiring commercial vehicles to make a small daily contribution towards infrastructure maintenance.
However, he noted that some union leaders had exploited the system for personal gain instead of properly remitting the funds.
He stated: “Unfortunately, the implementation of this law has been undermined by some union leaders who prioritise 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.”
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Strict Enforcement Measures
To ensure compliance, the government has directed security agencies to enforce the ban, warning that any disruptions to public order will not be tolerated.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of trade unions, the government stressed that union dues must be fair, agreed upon by members and collected monthly, bi-annally or annually.
Kogi State Security Adviser’s Statement
The Kogi State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd.), confirmed that the policy would be strictly enforced.
He also reminded stakeholders that commercial tricycles and motorcycles remain banned from highways in the state as a safety measure to prevent road accidents.
This move by the Kogi State Government aims to curb illegal revenue collection, ensure proper financial remittance, and improve public safety.
