OGUN ORDERS UNAPPROVED OKADA GROUPS TO HALT LEVIES, REVENUE COLLECTION

The Ogun State Government has launched a crackdown on motorcycle operators’ associations that are not officially recognised, directing them to immediately stop collecting levies, taxes and other government-related charges from commercial motorcycle operators across the state.

The government said only three associations — ROMO, AMORAN and ACCOMORAN  are currently recognised and authorised to operate within public roads and motor parks in Ogun State.

It described the activities of other groups as a breach of the state’s regulatory framework, warning that their continued operations could undermine the proper management of commercial motorcycle transportation and facilitate illegal revenue collection.

Among the organisations identified as unapproved are ANACOWA and AKMODE Transport Limited, alongside other parallel motorcycle associations.

According to the state government, the affected groups have not been authorised by the Ministry of Transportation to conduct commercial motorcycle revenue activities on public roads and parks. They are also not approved by the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service to collect personal income tax or other government levies from their members.

The government clarified that registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission does not automatically give an association permission to operate in a regulated transport sector or collect government revenue.

It acknowledged that citizens have a constitutional right to form and belong to associations but stressed that such rights do not amount to an automatic licence to engage in regulated commercial activities without the required permits and approvals.

The state government also addressed a March 28, 2023 judgment delivered by Justice Akinyemi, which some of the affected organisations had cited as justification for their activities.

According to the government, the judgment affirmed the right to freedom of association through CAC registration but did not grant any licence to operate commercial motorcycle activities in public spaces or authorise the collection of government revenue.

It further maintained that the judgment did not invalidate Ogun State’s existing policy for licensing and regulating commercial motorcycle operations.

Consequently, ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other unapproved associations have been directed to immediately discontinue revenue collection and other unauthorised activities in public spaces across the state.

The government warned that groups that ignore the directive could face enforcement action, describing continued unauthorised operations as a violation of the state’s regulatory framework.

However, authorities said enforcement would be conducted professionally, peacefully and within the limits of the law.

The state Ministry of Information has also been directed to begin public enlightenment on the new directive, while security and enforcement agencies have been instructed to commence implementation.

The government said the police and other relevant agencies would take lawful action against individuals or organisations found violating the directive. Such measures could include arrest, seizure or impoundment of property and prosecution where permitted by law.

Commercial motorcycle operators and members of the public have consequently been advised not to pay taxes, levies, subscriptions or other government-related charges to associations or individuals who are not authorised by the state.

The government said the move was aimed at ensuring a properly regulated, orderly and lawful commercial motorcycle transportation system across Ogun State.

Authorities urged stakeholders to cooperate with the directive and use only approved channels for the payment of government revenues and other legitimate charges.