The Enugu State Government has banned all forms of illegal tolls and extortion of motorists by touts, warning that flouters of the order would face the full wrath of the law.
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 be established in partnership with Heavyhaul Services Limited to meet the needs of logistics businesses and heavy-duty vehicles that transport goods in and out of Enugu State.
The government made these known at a press conference addressed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, with critical stakeholders in attendance.
… Sets up service centres, cancels haulage revenue collection contracts by MDAs
The Enugu State Government has banned all forms of illegal tolls and extortion of motorists by touts, warning that flouters of the order would face the full wrath of the law.
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 be established in partnership with Heavyhaul Services Limited to meet the needs of logistics businesses and heavy-duty vehicles that transport goods in and out of Enugu State.
The government made these known at a press conference addressed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, at the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, with critical stakeholders in attendance.
This was even as 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.
Rendering the directive and initiative, Prof. Onyia said: “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”.
