The Enugu State Government has warned that touts and those in the habit of extorting motorists in the state face the risk of severe punishment, including arrest, News About Nigeria reports.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, made this known while speaking at the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday.
He noted that the state government is interested in the role efficient logistics and transportation infrastructure play in growing its economy and will not tolerate the extortion of motorists and transporters by touts and hoodlums who masquerade as revenue collectors in some parts of the state.
He said that to curb the activities of hoodlums and promote free movement of persons, goods, and services, the touts have been banned from constituting nuisance on the roads.
“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 our 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,” he stated.
He also announced the establishment of service centres at strategic locations across the state in partnership with Heavyhaul Services Limited, adding that this will further improve logistics and supply chain operations and address the challenge of multiple taxations on the highway.
He added that the partnership will also provide health and agro-produce diagnostic centres for livestock as this will ensure that animals and foods coming into the state are safe for consumption and comply with regulatory requirements.
He reiterated that the government will not condone any excesses by hoodlums on the roads.
“This press statement serves as a stern warning to those who erect all manner of structures or collect service tolls outside the Service Centres, as such defaulters will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he added.
