The Ogun State Government has launched a crackdown on unapproved motorcycle operators’ associations accused of collecting revenues, levies and other government-related charges from commercial motorcycle operators across the state.
The government warned the affected groups to immediately stop all unauthorised revenue collection and other activities on public roads and at designated parks.
According to the state government, only three motorcycle operators’ associations are currently recognised to operate within the regulated commercial motorcycle sector. They are the Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Organisation (ROMO), Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners, Repairers and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), and Association of Motorcycle Operators and Owners of Nigeria (ACCOMORAN).
The government specifically identified ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other parallel motorcycle operators’ groups as unapproved bodies not authorised by the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation to undertake commercial motorcycle revenue activities on public roads and parks.
It also clarified that the affected groups are not authorised by the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) to collect personal income tax or other government levies from their members. OGIRS is the state agency responsible for the collection of revenues due to the Ogun State Government.
The government further explained that registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) does not automatically give an association permission to operate in a regulated commercial sector or collect government revenue.
It noted that although citizens have the constitutional right to form or belong to associations, such rights do not replace the approvals, licences and permits required to conduct regulated commercial activities.
The state government also addressed a March 28, 2023 judgment cited by some affected groups to justify their operations. It said the judgment recognised the right to freedom of association but did not authorise any group to operate commercial motorcycle activities in public spaces or collect government revenue.
Consequently, the government directed ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other unapproved associations to cease revenue collection and related unauthorised activities immediately.
It warned that continued defiance of the directive would be treated as a violation of the state’s regulatory framework.
The government said enforcement would be carried out professionally, peacefully and in accordance with the law, while relevant security and enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure compliance.
It added that violators could face lawful measures, including arrest, seizure or impoundment of property and prosecution where applicable.
Commercial motorcycle operators and members of the public were advised not to pay taxes, levies, subscriptions or other government-related charges to any association or individual that has not been duly authorised by the state.
The government urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the authorities in maintaining an orderly and properly regulated commercial motorcycle transport system across Ogun.
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