The Ogun State Government has warned unapproved motorcycle operators’ association operating in the state to stop their illegal collection of revenues, levies and other government-related charges from riders.

Governor Dapo Abiodun’s special adviser on information and strategy, Kayode Akinmade, in a statement, said the registration of an association with the Corporate Affairs Commission, does not give such groups the licence to regulate commercial motorcycle operations or collect taxes and other government revenues in the state.

Mr Akinmade said, “The Ogun State Government has commenced a crackdown on unapproved motorcycle operators’ associations operating across the state, warning them to immediately stop the illegal collection of revenues, levies and other government-related charges from commercial motorcycle operators.

“The government said only three motorcycle operators’ associations—ROMO, AMORAN and ACCOMORAN—are currently recognised and permitted to operate on public roads and parks in Ogun State.

“It described the activities of unapproved associations as a violation of the state’s regulatory framework, saying their continued operations 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.

“The government specifically identified ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other parallel motorcycle operators’ groups as unapproved associations not authorised by the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation to conduct 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 any government levies from their members.

“According to the government, registration of an association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) 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 state government said the March 28, 2023 judgment delivered by Justice Akinyemi, that supported the operation by AKMODE Transport Limited and other affected groups, only affirmed their constitutional right to freedom of association through registration with the CAC.

Mr Akinmade stated that the judgement however, did not grant them licence to operate commercial motorcycle activities in public spaces or confer authority to collect government revenue, neither did it “invalidate the state’s policy on the licensing and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations.”

The government therefore warned that the continued operations by ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and all other unapproved motorcycle operators’ associations “would be treated as a violation of the state’s regulatory framework and a challenge to constituted authority.”

It noted that “enforcement of the directive would be carried out professionally, peacefully and strictly in accordance with the law.”

He said the state ministry of information would commence public enlightenment on the directive, alongside enforcement by the relevant security agents.

He stated, “The government said the police and other relevant agencies would take all lawful measures against individuals or groups that violate the directive. Such measures, where legally permissible, may include arrest of persons reasonably suspected of committing an offence, seizure or impoundment of property and prosecution before the appropriate authorities.

“Commercial motorcycle operators and members of the public were therefore advised not to pay taxes, levies, subscriptions or other government-related charges to any association or individual not duly authorised by the state government.

“The government urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure a properly regulated, orderly and lawful commercial motorcycle transportation system in Ogun State.”