By Suleiman Anyalewechi
In its determination to shore up internally generated revenue IGR and realise the vision and mission of driving the state’s Gross Domestic Product GDP from its present $4.4billion to $30 billion, the Enugu state authorities on Wednesday April 24 announced a crackdown on touts ,illegal motor parks operators and all other illegal revenue collectors in the state.
The ban on the activities of illegal revenue operators is also to facilitate free movements of persons ,goods and services ,and improve logistics and supply chains operations in Enugu state .
Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government. SSG who disclosed this in statement read out to the media in Enugu on Wednesday April 24 2024 ,noted that by the new development ,all existing Produce and Haulage Revenue Collection contractual agreements entered into by Ministries and Governmental Agencies have been canceled .
According to him ,such revenue collection services ,will now be rendered by some Service Hubs to be set up in collaboration with Heavyhaul Services LTD ,so as to meet the needs of all operators within the system.
” The Enugu state Government recognises the pivotal role of efficient logistics and transportation infrastructure in driving our target to grow our economy from $4.4 billion. to $30 billion and make the state the preferred destination for business ,investments ,tourism and for living.
Therefore, the Government notes with dismay the reports of the incessant harassment and extortion of motorists and transporters by touts and hoodlums ,who masquerade as revenue collectors in some parts of the state .
In order to stem the excesses and ensure a free movement of persons ,goods and services,as well as improve logistics and supply chain operations in Enugu state ,the Enugu state Government hereby orders such extortionists to clear off the roads, as anybody caught engaging in such activities henceforth will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law .
All local government areas are to take note and ensure full compliance with this directive. Again to improve logistics and supply chain operations and address the challenge of multiple taxations on the high way ,touting and all sorts of criminalities committed by non state actors ,the Enugu state Government announces the establishment of Service Centres at strategic locations across the state in partnership with Heavyhaul Services Limited” Prof Onyia stated
The service centres, according to the SSG will render wide range of services such as checks on livestock health and agro- produce diagnostic, ensuring that arms and other dangerous items are not brought in to the state ,and other ancillary services,as will be determined by circumstances.
