The Ogun State Government has begun a crackdown on unapproved motorcycle operators’ associations operating across the state, warning them to immediately stop collecting 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 authorised to operate on public roads and parks in the state.

It described the activities of unapproved groups as a violation of Ogun State’s regulatory framework, saying their continued operations could undermine the proper regulation of commercial motorcycle transportation, threaten public order and result in the illegal collection of revenues meant for the government.

Among the groups identified as unapproved are ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other parallel motorcycle operators’ associations.

The government said the groups were 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 were 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 of an association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) only gives the organisation legal personality. It does not automatically amount to a licence to engage in regulated commercial motorcycle operations or confer authority to collect taxes and other government revenues.

The government 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 engage in regulated commercial activities without obtaining the necessary approvals, permits and licences from the relevant authorities.

It also addressed the March 28, 2023 judgment delivered by Justice Akinyemi, which AKMODE Transport Limited and other affected groups have cited in support of their operations.

The government in a statement signed by Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, explained that the judgment affirmed the constitutional right to freedom of association through registration with the CAC but did not grant any licence to operate commercial motorcycle activities in public spaces or authorise the collection of government revenue.

It added that the judgment did not invalidate the state’s policy on the licensing and regulation of commercial motorcycle operations.

Consequently, the government directed ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other unapproved motorcycle operators’ associations to immediately stop revenue collection and other unauthorised activities in public spaces across the state.

It warned that continued operation by the affected groups would be treated as a violation of the state’s regulatory framework and a challenge to constituted authority.

The government, however, assured residents and stakeholders that enforcement of the directive would be carried out professionally, peacefully and in accordance with the law.

It directed the Ministry of Information to commence immediate public enlightenment on the directive, while relevant security and enforcement agencies were ordered to begin simultaneous implementation.

The government said the police and other relevant agencies would take lawful measures against individuals or groups found violating the directive. Such measures, where legally permissible, could 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 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 across Ogun State. (The Guardian)