The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday held a plenary session focused on growing concerns over illegal revenue collection, multiple taxation and the harassment of commercial drivers, tricyclists and motorcyclists across the state.
The matter was raised during Tuesday’s plenary sitting through a motion titled “Need to Curb Illegal Revenue Collection, Multiple Stickers, and Harassment of Commercial Drivers, Tricyclists and Motorcyclists in Oyo State”, which drew broad support from lawmakers during deliberations on the floor of the House.
Leading the debate, Hon. Rasaq Mabaje, representing Ido state constituency who was a cosponsor of the motion, said the Assembly had taken cognizance of persistent complaints from transport operators who are burdened by overlapping levies, unauthorised collections and the proliferation of stickers imposed by different agencies and individuals.
He noted that the situation was not only affecting livelihoods but also undermining public trust in government revenue systems.
Lawmakers in their separate submissions expressed concern that the absence of a clearly defined and harmonised framework for transport-related charges had created room for abuse, intimidation and extortion, particularly at motor parks and along major routes.
The lawmakers stressed that commercial drivers and riders form a critical part of the state’s informal economy and should not be subjected to practices that worsen their economic hardship.
They called for urgent executive action to streamline levies and eliminate illegal operators masquerading as revenue agents.
Hon. Bamidele Adeola, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju state constituency, who shared his personal experience, argued that the unchecked activities of illegal collectors posed security financial risks, warning that continued harassment could lead to unrest within the transport sector.
He urged the government to strengthen enforcement and ensure that only duly authorised agencies collect approved revenues.
He maintained that harmonisation of transport revenues would improve accountability and transparency while boosting legitimate government income.
He added that clarity in revenue collection would also enhance service delivery and reduce friction between drivers and enforcement officials.
Other lawmakers who spoke, called on relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to engage transport unions and stakeholders in the process, noting that dialogue would help in designing a system that is fair, enforceable and widely accepted.
Following deliberations, the House resolved to urge the Executive Arm of Government, through the Ministries of Public Works and Transport, Finance, and the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service, to expedite action towards harmonising all transport-related revenues into a clearly defined framework.
The Assembly also emphasised the need for decisive measures to curb illegal revenue collection and end the harassment of commercial drivers, tricyclists and motorcyclists, in order to promote order, fairness and effective service delivery across Oyo State.