A major crisis is brewing in Enugu State as commercial transport unions threaten to shut down transit operations statewide. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, which control over 60,000 commercial vehicles, are opposed to the Enugu State Government's plan to take over union dues collection. The government aims to ban non-state levies across motor terminals, sparking concerns among union leaders.
The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, communicated a directive on Wednesday, stipulating that the state government would take over all terminal commission collections and remit 15 per cent back to the unions. Union leaders rejected the policy, describing it as an attempt to hijack internal welfare funds used to maintain branch offices, assist injured members, and fund daily operations.
Speaking on behalf of the operators, an NURTW member, Agbo Celestine, warned that drivers would halt transport services across the state if the government failed to restore the status quo. Agbo stated that the unions are governed nationwide by rules from their national headquarters and not controlled by the state. He expressed concerns that the proposed percentage targets union management, not field workers who rely on daily collections.
Another union representative, Chisom Njoku, condemned the move, arguing that unions purchase, maintain, and load vehicles without state assistance. He detailed existing daily state taxes under the e-ticket system, ranging from N750 for tricycles to N4,500 for heavy trailers, alongside charges for digital manifests and emblem tags. The unions are opposed to the government's plan, citing concerns about their financial sustainability.
In response to the union agitations, the management of Enugu East Zone Bus Terminals released an official public announcement outlining new regulatory directives designed to curb extortion and streamline terminal operations. The directives include the cessation of toll collections from tricycles and intra-city buses plying Enugu City, effective October 1, 2026. Interstate vehicles will have toll collections reviewed to the cost equivalent of one passenger seat per exit.
The Enugu East Bus Terminals Revenue Improvement Plan proposes terminal service charges per departure, ranging from N100 for tricycles and N200 for town service buses to N2,000 for South-East routes, N3,000 for South-South routes, and N4,000 for Abuja, Lagos, and Northern destinations. The digital manifest system (TAP) will automatically track trip records, passenger manifests, and payments. The state government aims to streamline revenue collection and eliminate multiple taxation.
With both parties holding their ground, commuters across Enugu State face potential transit disruptions as negotiations remain deadlocked. The ESIRS Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, warned that authorities would not tolerate illegal multiple taxation on residents and drivers. The government and transport unions must find a resolution to avoid disruptions to the state's transportation system.
Key points
- Transport unions in Enugu State threaten shutdown over government dues collection policy
- Enugu State Government aims to take over union dues collection, sparking concerns among union leaders
- Commuters face potential transit disruptions as negotiations between government and transport unions remain deadlocked
