The Kogi State Government has banned trade unions from collecting daily revenue across all 21 local government areas, citing concerns over financial mismanagement and illegal levies imposed on members.
Governor Usman Ododo, represented by Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, announced the decision at a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday. He emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting individuals and groups in ways that contribute to the state’s development.
Fanwo recalled that in 2017, the state introduced the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy (IML)—a small daily contribution by commercial vehicle operators to support infrastructure upkeep. However, he noted that some union leaders had abused the system for personal gain by collecting unauthorized dues instead of properly remitting funds.
“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 declared.
Security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban, with a stern warning against any disruptions to public order. The government clarified that union dues must be collected monthly, bi-annually, or annually—as agreed upon by members—not on a daily basis.
Additionally, Kogi State Security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara (retd.) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing the policy and reminded stakeholders that commercial tricycles and motorcycles remain banned from highways to enhance road safety.
