Enugu state Government has expressed dismay with the reports of the incessant harassment and extortion of motorists and transporters by touts and hoodlums, who masquerade as revenue collectors in some parts of the state .
The state Government has therefore , banned illegal tolls, extortion of Motorists and has established Service Centres in different locations to ensure improved Haulage Service in the state .
The government also announced the cancellation of all existing produce and haulage revenue collection contracts by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), saying those responsibilities would now be taken over by service hubs to meet the needs of logistics businesses and heavy-duty vehicles that transport goods in and out of Enugu State
The Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah disclosed that during a Press conference held on Wednesday, April 24 in Government House, Enugu .
Pix: SSG, Prof Chidiebere Onyia
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, Governor Mbah explained that the establishment of Service Centres at strategic locations across the state in partnership with Heavyhaul Services Limited will improve logistics and supply chain operations and address the challenge of multiple taxations on the highway, touting and all sorts of criminalities committed by non-state actors.
He added that the Service Centres will serve as centralised hubs that offer a range of services tailored to meet the needs of logistics businesses and heavy duty vehicles that transport goods in and out of the state.
The Governor said the Government recognises the pivotal role of efficient logistics and transportation infrastructure in driving the target to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion naira and make the state the preferred destination for business, investment, tourism, and for living.
Pix- Stakeholders at the briefing
He ordered the illegal revenue collectors to clear off the roads, warning that anyone caught violating the order will be prosecuted.
Governor Mbah’ said ,”In order to stem the excesses and ensure a free movement of persons, goods and services as well as improve logistics and supply chain operations in Enugu State, the Enugu State Government hereby orders such extortionists to clear off our roads, as anybody caught engaging in such activities henceforth will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. All local government areas are to take note and ensure full compliance with this directive.”
Pix: From L-R ,SSG, Prof Onyia, DCP Akinbajo, Igwe Emma Ugwu of Ibagwa Nike and Igwe Waziri
The full text:
Enugu Govt bans Illegal Tolls, Extortion of Motorists, assures improved Haulage Service
The Enugu State Government recognises the pivotal role of efficient logistics and transportation infrastructure in driving our target to grow our economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion naira and make the state the preferred destination for business, investment, tourism, and for living.
Therefore, the government notes with dismay the reports of the incessant harassment and extortion of motorists and transporters by touts and hoodlums, who masquerade as revenue collectors in some parts of the state The government deplores the observed extortions and excesses by hoodlums on our roads.
In order to stem the excesses and ensure a free movement of persons, goods and services as well as improve logistics and supply chain operations in Enugu State, the Enugu State Government hereby orders such extortionists to clear off our roads, as anybody caught engaging in such activities henceforth will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. All local government areas are to take note and ensure full compliance with this directive
Again, to further improve logistics and supply chain operations and address the challenge of multiple taxations on the highway, touting and all sorts of criminalities committed by non-state actors, the Enugu State Government announces the establishment of Service Centres at strategic locations across the state in partnership with Heavyhaul Services Limited
The Service Centres will serve as centralised hubs that offer a range of services tailored to meet the needs of logistics businesses and heavy duty vehicles that transport goods in and out of the state. The services will include
1. Provision of livestock health and agro-produce diagnostic centres to ensure that animals and foods coming into the state are safe for consumption and comply with regulatory requirements
2. Provision of designated points where security officials can check and ensure that arms and other dangerous goods are not imported into the state
3. Provision of weigh stations to ensure that trucks and heavy duty vehicles coming into the state are not overweight, thereby damaging both major and intra-state roads, which were not designed to carry such axle loads.
4. 4. Provision of complimentary services to drivers where they can take convenience breaks and refuel (vehicles)
5. Deter Industrial waste transportation by introducing sanctions and penalties.
6. Ensuring that the haulage of industrial goods and minerals comply with environmental standards.
7. Provision of ancillary services such as vehicle maintenance to reduce road traffic congestions due to the breakdown of heavy-duty trucks
Meanwhile, the State Government is collaborating with the various stakeholders, including the security personnel, transport unions, and community leaders to eliminate illegal haulage toll collection from the highways.
Once again, this press statement serves as a stern warning to those who erect all manner of structures or collect service tolls outside the Services Centres, as such defaulters will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
SIGNED: PROF CHIDIEBERE ONYIA Secretary to State Government Dated April 24, 2024
Fielding questions from stakeholders, Prof. Onyia said the money that should go to the unions was factored into the program He added that necessary measures had been put in place to checkmate people or motorists who would want to twart the efforts of the state Government as the service centres will operate 24 hours with monitoring gadgets.
Reacting to the new directives, the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, HRH Igwe Emma Ugwu ,commended the state government for the ban and establishment of service center. He said the directives will curb the activities of hoodlums who extort money from motorists and haulers.
He lamented the extortion of his subjects by touts, saying it was often difficult to differentiate the touts from kidnappers and robbers due to their modes of operation.
“In daytime, you see them with sticks. But in the night, they turn into something else,” he stressed, adding that with the initiative, traditional rulers could now join hands with the government to stamp them out.
Stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Olasoji Akinbayo; Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NUTRW), Mr. Austine Agu; representative of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr. Obinna Agbo; traditional ruler of Amalla Egazi Autonomous Community, Igwe Patrick Eze; and the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike, Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu, commended Governor Peter Mbah for the initiative, pledging to work with the administration to actualise it.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama