Enugu bans illegal tolls, cancels revenue collection contracts

The Enugu government has announced a ban on all forms of illegal tolls and extortion of motorists by touts in the state.

The state government also cancelled haulage revenue collection contracts by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The government announced the directives on Tuesday during a press conference at the government house.

The press conference was attended by stakeholders like Olasoji Akinbayo, a deputy commissioner of police; Austine Agu, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NUTRW); and Igwe Patrick Eze, traditional ruler of Amalla Egazi autonomous community.

Chidiebere Onyia, secretary to the state government, said the government has received reports of “incessant harassment and extortion of motorists and transporters by touts and hoodlums” in the state.

Onyia said in order to ensure free movement of persons and goods, extortionists must be cleared off the roads.

“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,” Onyia 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.

“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.”