The Kogi State Government has banned the collection of daily revenue by unions in all 21 Local Government Areas with immediate effect.
The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, made this known on Wednesday.
He stated that as a government, they will continue to support individuals, groups, and associations in ways that empower them to contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of the state.
He noted that the government will not hesitate to act decisively where personal or group interests conflict with the collective good of the people.
The Commissioner stressed that in 2017, the Kogi State Revenue Harmonization Law introduced the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy (IML)—a small daily contribution by commercial vehicles plying the state’s roads.
He explained that the levy was established to maintain and improve the state’s infrastructure, which is vital for economic growth.
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However, he lamented that 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.
According to him, instead of remitting these funds as stipulated, some union leaders have resorted to collecting illegal membership dues, depriving both their members and the government of much-needed revenue.
He further stated that security agencies have been directed to enforce strict compliance with this directive, warning that the government will not tolerate any disruptions to public order in its implementation.
“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.
“Following consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the Unions, we have established the following rates for the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy across the state, S/N Category Coverage Rate (¥) 1 Tricycle (Keke) Within Lokoja 500.00 2 Motorcycle (Okada) Within Lokoja 400.00 3 Buses Within Lokoja 700.00 4 Sienna Within Lokoja 600.00 5 Taxi Cab Within Lokoja 500.00 6 Tricycle (Keke) Outside Lokoja 400.00 : Motorcycle (Okada) Outside Lokoja 300.00 Taxi Cab Outside Lokoja 400.00 9 Sienna Outside Lokoja 500.00
“The above rate was arrived at in order to give a measure of relief to the Motorists and the Operators from the burden of multiple payments, while the interest of the relevant Unions is also considered.
He noted that the Honourable Commissioner of Transportation and the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service have directed to ensure the immediate and seamless implementation of this policy.
“We count on the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative, which is aimed at enhancing our infrastructure and improving the standard of living for all residents of Kogi State.
