The Ogun State Government has begun enforcing measures against motorcycle operators’ associations that are not officially recognised by the state, directing them to stop collecting levies, taxes and other government-related charges from commercial motorcyclists.
The government said only three associations—ROMO, AMORAN and ACCOMORAN—are currently authorised to operate at public parks and on roads across the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, describing the activities of unapproved associations as a breach of the state’s regulatory framework.
The government said, “The continued operations of these unapproved associations undermine the proper regulation of commercial motorcycle transportation, threaten public peace and order, and lead to the illegal collection of revenues that should accrue to government.”
It specifically listed ANACOWA and AKMODE Transport Limited, among other parallel groups, as associations not authorised by the state Ministry of Transportation to engage in commercial motorcycle revenue collection.
The government further clarified that the affected groups had no approval from the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service to collect personal income tax or other government levies from their members.
It explained that registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission only gives an organisation legal status and does not automatically permit it to engage in regulated transport activities.
“Registration of an association with the Corporate Affairs Commission only confers legal personality on the organisation and does not, in itself, constitute a licence to engage in regulated commercial motorcycle operations or authorise the collection of taxes and other government revenues in the state,” the statement said.
The government also addressed a March 28, 2023 judgment delivered by Justice Akinyemi, which some of the affected groups had relied upon to justify their activities.
According to the state, the judgment recognised the constitutional right to freedom of association but did not grant any organisation a licence to operate commercial motorcycle activities in public spaces or collect government revenue.
It maintained that the judgment did not cancel the state’s existing policy on the licensing and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations.
The government therefore ordered ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other unapproved associations to immediately stop their revenue collection and other unauthorised activities in public places.
It warned that anyone who continued to operate outside the approved framework could face lawful enforcement measures, including arrest where an offence is suspected, seizure or impoundment of property and prosecution.
The government, however, said enforcement would be carried out peacefully and in accordance with the law.
It directed the Ministry of Information to commence public enlightenment on the directive, while security and enforcement agencies were instructed to ensure its implementation.
Commercial motorcycle operators and members of the public were also advised not to pay taxes, levies, subscriptions or other government-related charges to individuals or associations that have not been authorised by the state.
The government urged stakeholders to cooperate with the authorities in ensuring an orderly and properly regulated commercial motorcycle transportation system across Ogun State.
