By John Umeh
The Edo State Government has taken decisive action to sanitize its revenue collection system by banning all transport and market-related unions and terminating the contract of its revenue collection firm over mounting allegations of extortion, harassment, and illegal levies imposed on residents and businesses.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who recently assumed office following a leadership transition, announced the sweeping reforms on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Government House in Benin City. He described the move as a necessary step to restore sanity, protect citizens from exploitation, and promote a transparent and accountable revenue system in the state.
According to the governor, investigations by security and intelligence agencies revealed widespread abuse of power by union members and operatives of the now-dismissed revenue collection firm, including extortion at motor parks, markets, and loading bays. He emphasized that the illegal levies were crippling small businesses, frustrating traders, and discouraging investors from operating in Edo State.
“We cannot allow a few individuals to hijack our public spaces and impose hardship on innocent citizens,” Governor Okpebholo declared. “This government is committed to ending extortion in all forms. Effective immediately, all transport and market unions are banned from collecting any form of levy or tax, and the revenue firm engaged by the past administration is hereby disengaged.”
He further directed law enforcement agencies to begin the immediate enforcement of the ban, warning that any individual or group found collecting unauthorized fees would be arrested and prosecuted. The governor also unveiled plans to digitize revenue collection across the state to eliminate human interference and reduce corruption.
“We will introduce a transparent, tech-driven system where every payment is traceable, receipted, and monitored in real-time,” he said. “No more cash collections. No more intimidation. The people of Edo deserve better.”
The announcement was met with widespread praise from market traders, commercial drivers, and civil society groups who have long decried the activities of unions and revenue agents. Many described the governor’s action as courageous and long overdue.
Mrs. Omon Okoro, a trader at Oba Market in Benin, expressed relief at the development. “Every day, we were forced to pay money to different groups—loading fees, security fees, sanitation fees—all illegal. This news brings hope.”
Meanwhile, leaders of some banned unions have criticized the decision, claiming that the government acted without dialogue or due process. However, the state government insists that several warnings and stakeholder engagements had occurred before the final action was taken.
Governor Okpebholo has assured residents that the reforms are not intended to stifle commerce but to protect businesses from exploitation and create a fair operating environment for all. He also promised that a new, regulated system of revenue collection—based on lawful rates and government oversight—will be unveiled soon.
With this bold move, the Edo State Government has signaled its commitment to good governance, rule of law, and people-centered leadership. As implementation begins, all eyes are now on how the ban will be enforced and whether the administration can deliver on its promise of transparency and accountability.
