Edo State has decided to suspend revenue collection in motor parks and other public areas across the state. This move came from Governor Monday Okpebholo, who announced that the suspension would remain in place indefinitely until further notice.

Governor Okpebholo also gave an order to the State Commissioner of Police, instructing them to arrest anyone found collecting money on behalf of the state government during this period. The suspension is meant to address concerns about revenue collection practices that have been happening in various locations around the state.

According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the state government will review the situation soon and make new decisions about how to handle revenue collections in the future.

The suspension follows reports of transport union members collecting money from commercial vehicles. Early in the morning, union members were seen at bus stops along Ekenwa Road and near New Benin Market, demanding N1000 from each vehicle. Some of these union groups, like the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), were identified by their T-shirts.

As a result of these actions, transport fares have increased. Drivers were forced to raise fares by N300 to N400, with some now charging up to N500 for a ride.

Governor Okpebholo’s office has made it clear that no one is authorized to collect revenue on behalf of the state government until further notice. Anyone who disregards the suspension and continues collecting money will face arrest.