Olu Samuel
The Kogi State Government has banned daily revenue collection by Trade unions in all the 21 local governmentb areas of the state .
The state governme7u7nt also-ran announced the establishment of infrastructure maintenance levy across the state.
Ododo who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo explained that government will continue to support individuals ,groups and associations in ways that empower them to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the State
According to him, “In 2017, the Kogi State Revenue Harmonization Law introduced the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy (IML)—a small daily contribution by commercial vehicles plying our roads. This levy was established to maintain and improve the state’s infrastructure, which is vital for economic growth.
“Unfortunately, the implementation of this law has been undermined by some union leaders who prioritize personal gan over the interests of their members and the state. Instead of remitting these funds as stipulated, they have resorted to collecting illegal m7rembership dues, depriving both their members and the government of much-needed revenue.
“As a responsible government, we cannot allow this trend to continue unchecked. Effective immediately, the collection of daily revenue by unions in all 21 Local Government Areas is banned.
“Security agencies have been directed to enforce strict compliance, and we will not tolerate any disruptions to public order in the implementation of this directive.
“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.
Also speaking at the stakeholders meeting, the State security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara Rtd assured that the policy will be implemented with full force,urging all the Unions and associations to work within the ambit of the law.
He also reminded the stakeholders of the subsisting law banning commercial Tricycle and motorcycle operators from playing the highways in the state addng that security agents should take note as the state can not afford to lose lives on the highways.