Kogi bans trade unions from collecting revenues

…As strict policy on motorcycles, tricycles on highways still subsists

The Kogi State Government has banned trade unions from collecting daily revenue in all 21 local government areas of the state.

Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for Information, who represented Governor Ahmed Ododo, announced the decision at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kogi State, pointing out that the government would continue to support individuals and groups in ways that contribute to the state’s development.

“In 2017, the Kogi State Revenue Harmonisation 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 prioritise personal gain over the interests of their members and the state. Instead of remitting these funds as stipulated, they have resorted to collecting illegal membership 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,” he said.

The government directed security agencies to enforce the ban, warning that any disruption to public order would not be tolerated.

“While we respect the constitutional rights of individuals to freedom of association, we emphasise 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,” the statement added.

Also, Jerry Omodara, Kogi’s state security adviser, assured that the policy would be strictly enforced, as he reminded stakeholders that commercial tricycles and motorcycles remain banned from highways in the state to prevent road accidents.