The Ogun State Government has commenced a crackdown on unapproved associations of commercial motorcycle operators across the state, directing them to immediately stop the collection of revenues, levies, taxes and other government-related charges from operators.
The government, in a directive issued through the relevant authorities, said only three motorcycle operators’ associations—ROMO, AMORAN and ACCOMORAN—are currently recognised and authorised to operate on public roads and parks in Ogun State.
It described the activities of unapproved groups as a breach of the state’s regulatory framework, warning that their operations could undermine the effective regulation of commercial motorcycle transportation, threaten public order and result in the illegal diversion of revenues meant for government.
The government specifically named ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other parallel motorcycle operators’ groups among those not approved by the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation to undertake commercial motorcycle revenue activities on public roads and parks.
It also clarified that the affected organisations are not authorised by the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) to collect personal income tax or any other government levies from their members.
According to the government, registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) merely gives an organisation legal personality and does not automatically grant it a licence to engage in regulated commercial motorcycle operations or collect taxes and other government revenues.
The government further stressed that although citizens have a constitutional right to form or belong to associations, such a right does not amount to an automatic licence to carry out regulated commercial activities without obtaining the necessary permits, approvals and licences from the appropriate government agencies.
Addressing the March 28, 2023 judgment delivered by Justice Akinyemi, which has reportedly been relied upon by AKMODE Transport Limited and other affected groups, the government said the judgment only affirmed the constitutional right to freedom of association through registration with the CAC.
It maintained that the judgment did not grant any licence to operate commercial motorcycle businesses in public spaces, authorise the collection of government revenue or invalidate Ogun State’s policy on the licensing and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations.
Consequently, the government directed ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and all other unapproved motorcycle associations to immediately cease revenue collection and other unauthorised activities in public spaces across the state.
It warned that continued operations by the affected groups would be regarded as a violation of the state’s regulatory framework and a challenge to constituted authority.
The government, however, assured residents and stakeholders that enforcement would be conducted professionally, peacefully and in accordance with the law.
It said the Ministry of Information would commence immediate public enlightenment on the directive, while security and enforcement agencies had been instructed to begin simultaneous implementation across the state.
The Police and other relevant agencies, the government added, would take all lawful measures against individuals or groups found violating the directive. Such measures may, where legally permissible, 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 consequently 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 Ogun State Government.
The government urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive and cooperate with relevant authorities towards establishing a properly regulated, orderly and lawful commercial motorcycle transportation system across Ogun State.