…Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) Executive Chairman, Salihu Enehe, has accused Local Government chairmen of being responsible for the illegal revenue collection occurring along highways in the state.
Speaking at the Stewardship Forum organized by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja, Enehe also emphasized the importance of good governance, job creation, and the need for a supportive environment to reduce poverty and prevent possible unrest among youths.
He alleged that some Local Government chairmen, along with certain officials from ministries and departments, are supporting youths who block highways to collect unauthorized levies—such as fees on forestry products, agricultural produce, and haulage—actions that violate existing state revenue laws.
“These illegal activities have become a major threat to road users, drawing widespread condemnation across the country,” he said. “My office receives daily complaints regarding these incidents, which not only compromise security but also cause financial losses to commuters.”
Enehe noted that although a task force was set up to apprehend and prosecute offenders, it was shocking to discover that some Local Government chairmen and government agencies were involved in the operations.
He explained that some of these officials, under the guise of creating jobs for local youths, have allowed them to print unauthorized receipts and collect various fees from motorists and transporters on state highways.
Even after Governor Ahmed Ododo intervened by convening an emergency meeting and issuing strict directives against such practices, Enehe said that many of the implicated LG chairmen have continued to ignore the government’s orders.
Despite collaborative efforts with security agencies to make arrests and prosecute offenders—actions that have led to some improvements—he acknowledged that some of the illegal operators still return to the roads during odd hours to continue their activities.
While the collection of forestry, produce, and haulage fees is permitted under the tax laws, Enehe clarified that blocking highways to do so is unlawful. He stressed that the proper method is to collect these fees at points of production and loading, which ensures compliance with the law.
He concluded by commending the Correspondents Chapel for their dedication to holding government accountable and promoting good governance.