Kogi Governor Bans Daily Revenue Collection by Unions Over Corruption Concerns
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has taken a strong stance against daily revenue collections by unions across the state’s 21 local government areas. In an emergency meeting held at the Revenue House in Lokoja, Ododo revealed that some union leaders had been undermining the state’s Infrastructure Maintenance Levy (IML) policy, prioritizing personal profit over the well-being of their members and the state.
Represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communication, Ododo explained that while the IML, introduced in 2017, was intended to improve the state’s infrastructure through a modest daily fee from commercial vehicles, union leaders had been diverting funds. Rather than remitting the funds as required, these leaders had been collecting unauthorized membership dues, depriving both their members and the state government of essential revenue.
“The Infrastructure Maintenance Levy (IML) was established to maintain and develop the state’s infrastructure, vital for economic growth,” the governor stated. “Unfortunately, some union leaders have exploited this system, undermining the purpose of the levy and robbing the state of much-needed funds.”
In response, Governor Ododo has banned the collection of daily revenue by unions across the state, directing all security agencies to enforce the ban strictly. “We cannot allow this practice to continue. Union dues must be collected fairly, as outlined in their by-laws, either monthly, bi-annually, or annually — not on a daily basis,” he emphasized.
State Security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd) confirmed that the policy would be implemented with full force, urging all union associations to operate within the law.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Levi, assured the public that the new policy was not intended to target individuals but was simply a measure to ensure the proper collection and use of state revenue.
According to sources from DAILY POST, a closed-door meeting with top security chiefs is expected to take place to discuss how best to implement the new policy across Kogi State.
