The Ogun State Government has directed unapproved motorcycle operators’ associations across the state to immediately stop collecting revenues, levies and other government-related charges from commercial motorcyclists.
The directive is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen regulation of commercial motorcycle operations and prevent unauthorised groups from collecting revenues meant for the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said only three motorcycle associations—ROMO, AMORAN and ACCOMORAN—are currently recognised to operate on public roads and parks in Ogun State.
The government listed ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited and other parallel motorcycle operators’ groups among those not authorised by the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation to engage in commercial motorcycle revenue activities.
It also said the affected associations are not authorised by the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) to collect personal income tax or other government levies from their members.
According to the government, registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) does not automatically grant an association the licence to operate in regulated commercial spaces or collect government revenues.
It explained that although citizens have the constitutional right to form or belong to associations, such rights do not exempt groups from obtaining the necessary government approvals, permits and licences required for regulated commercial activities.
The government also rejected claims that a March 28, 2023 judgment delivered by Justice Akinyemi authorised AKMODE Transport Limited and other affected groups to operate commercial motorcycle activities or collect government revenue.
It said the judgment only affirmed the constitutional right to freedom of association through CAC registration and did not invalidate Ogun State’s regulatory framework for commercial motorcycle operations.
The government warned that any continued revenue collection or other unauthorised activities by the affected associations would be treated as a violation of the law.
It directed the Ministry of Information to commence immediate public enlightenment on the directive and ordered security and enforcement agencies to begin its implementation.
The government said violators could face lawful enforcement measures, including arrest, seizure or impoundment of property and prosecution where applicable.
Commercial motorcycle operators and members of the public were advised not to pay taxes, levies, subscriptions or other government-related charges to individuals or associations not authorised by the state.
The government assured stakeholders that enforcement would be carried out professionally and peacefully, while urging all operators to comply with the directive for a more orderly and regulated commercial motorcycle transportation system in Ogun State.
