ENUGU, Nigeria — The Enugu State Government has banned collecting tolls and levies by unauthorized individuals or groups along state highways.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, communicated this directive in a statement on Monday, August 7, 2023, in Enugu.
Prof. Onyia highlighted the government’s displeasure with the disruptive actions of these groups.
Using various coercive tactics, they have been extracting money from vehicles transporting various commodities, including farm produce and livestock, all under the guise of acting on the government’s behalf.
Prof. Onyia further emphasized that these unauthorized collections contravene the government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business within the state.
Reiterating the commitment of the current administration led by Governor Peter Mbah, Onyia stated, “The government is focused on expanding the Enugu economy by actively promoting economic activities, incentivizing the private sector, and boosting sectors such as agriculture. We aim to support all lawful business endeavors beneficial to the state.”
As part of measures to streamline the state’s revenue system, the government is also working towards eliminating all forms of illegal and multiple taxation.
This includes moving away from manual cash payments, paper receipts, and tickets to a more technologically-driven and user-friendly approach.
Individuals and groups involved in these unauthorized collections have been warned to desist from such activities, with immediate penalties for non-compliance.
A taskforce has been established to ensure strict enforcement of this ban.
Prof. Onyia concluded that the ban is effective immediately and cautioned that anyone violating this directive would face legal consequences.
Enugu Government Cracks Down on Tinted Vehicles in Bid to Stem Crime
The Enugu State Government has announced a ban on unauthorized use of vehicles with tinted windows, effective from September 4, 2023.
This decision, which forms part of the government’s broader strategy to combat kidnappings and criminal behaviour, was unveiled in a statement on Monday, August 7, 2023, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
“The ban is in line with the state government’s determination to combat the nefarious activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements in the state,” Onyia declared.
Following the Nigeria Police Force’s suspension of tinted glass permits issuance on June 7, 2021, vehicle owners have been given a four-week window to comply with the new regulation.
This period allows time to remove or replace any factory-fitted tinted windows in line with the law’s provisions.
“The enforcement taskforce shall impound defaulting vehicles and shall not be released to their owners until the tinted glasses are removed or replaced and the specified fines paid,” warned Onyia, underlining the stringent measures that will be employed to enforce the ban.
Onyia further explained that the ban was aimed primarily at curtailing the activities of criminals and generally enhancing the security and safety of Enugu State’s residents.
While acknowledging the inconveniences that might arise, the Secretary to the State Government sought public understanding and cooperation.
He concluded, “This move, while it may pose a temporary challenge to some vehicle owners, ultimately serves the public good, ensuring that our communities remain safe from the threats posed by criminal elements.”
As Nigeria grapples with an uptick in insecurity, this move underscores Enugu State’s determination to take decisive action against criminal activities.
It is anticipated that other states grappling with similar issues will closely monitor the outcome of this bold initiative.
