Governor Monday Okpebholo has drawn the curtain on what many Edo residents have long described as a reign of economic terror—ending years of harassment by criminal syndicates masquerading as revenue collectors.
For motorists, market traders, and commercial drivers across the state, the announcement came like long-awaited rain after a scorching dry spell. These so-called “Civilian Tax Hunters”, once licensed under limited agreements, had turned the streets into toll booths, shaking down citizens daily under the pretext of tax collection.
The move, which has been hailed by residents as a milestone in public service, follows credible intelligence reports revealing that groups such as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel, as well as private firm Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, had grossly violated their mandates and engaged in widespread cash extortion, intimidation, and abuse of office.
In a statement released on Tuesday, 5 August, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, described the activities of these groups as acts of economic sabotage, vowing that the government would no longer tolerate the use of unions or contractors as fronts for organised criminal extortion.
“These entities are not authorised to collect any form of dues, levies, taxes or charges from any motorist, trader or road user,” Ikhilor declared. “The government considers their actions to be a direct affront to law, order and public decency.”
Despite a recent declaration by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) of a 46% increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)—reporting N52.6 billion in the first half of 2025 against a target of N58.8 billion—questions had mounted about how such growth was achieved in the face of pervasive illegal collections and public outcry.
With the government’s renewed focus on sanitising the system, it appears the rot is finally being addressed.
In what seemed like an early test of the government’s resolve, over 10 illegal collectors were arrested in Benin City within hours of the official announcement. One individual reportedly assaulted a commercial driver who had refused to hand over money—only to be swiftly apprehended by state enforcement agents.
“Some of these defaulters still did not believe a new sheriff is in town,” said an aide to the governor, referencing Governor Okpebholo’s uncompromising stance.
Residents across Edo State have welcomed the clampdown with open arms. Commercial driver Sunny Igbinake, who plies the Uselu–Ugbowo route, praised the government’s decision as “timely” and “a step that prevented a looming crisis.”
“This action has saved us from mental torture,” he said. “I only hope they sustain the momentum.”
At the bustling Uselu Market, trader Mercy Otasowie echoed the sentiment.
“Thank God the governor has remembered our sufferings. These people made life unbearable,” she told our correspondent. “Now I can focus on my business without fear.”
While the government’s purge on illegal revenue actors is drawing praise, eyebrows were raised following the Edo State House of Assembly’s approval of a N100 billion loan to fast-track infrastructure projects. The loan, secured under a contractor-finance facility from First Bank of Nigeria Plc, came weeks after the EIRS announced the surge in IGR.
Observers have questioned the rationale behind borrowing at such scale when the state’s internal revenue performance is reportedly near target. Government officials, however, maintain that the loan is necessary to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and is not a sign of fiscal distress.
By removing the leeches embedded within its revenue ecosystem, the Edo State Government is not just plugging holes—it is rebuilding trust. With Governor Okpebholo leading the charge, the days of mafias, criminal agents and extortion disguised as taxation appear to be numbered.
“The mission is clear,” said SSG Umar Musa Ikhilor. “No more cash collection. No more intimidation. No more abuse of public trust.”
With the people jubilant and the streets slowly regaining sanity, one thing is certain: Edo is witnessing the dawn of a new revenue culture—one driven by transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
