Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kwara State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals, transport unions and other groups collecting haulage fees without authorisation or erecting illegal roadblocks across the state, declaring that offenders risk severe sanctions as it begins the full implementation of a digital haulage fee payment system. The initiative, introduced through the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, is part of broader tax reforms aimed at improving revenue collection, eliminating multiple levies and making it easier to do business in the state. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Executive Chairman of KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi, announced that the digital platform has become operational for all haulage operators and transporters across Kwara.
According to Omoniyi, the new system replaces the traditional practice of collecting haulage fees on roadsides and is expected to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency. "The introduction of the digital platform is in line with the ongoing tax reforms aimed at modernising revenue administration, promoting ease of doing business and eliminating illegal and multiple collections," she said. The KW-IRS boss emphasised that a key provision of the reforms is the discontinuation of roadblocks and other unauthorised checkpoints for the purpose of revenue collection. Transporters would no longer make payments to individuals stationed along highways, as all haulage fees would now be processed electronically.
To facilitate the transition, Omoniyi said the agency had re-engaged its consultants to oversee the registration of haulage operators, issue official haulage tags and manage the digital payment platform. She noted that registration under the scheme is mandatory for all operators. "All haulage operators are required to register and obtain a haulage tag which serves as the official means of identification," she stated. The KW-IRS boss further warned that no unauthorised official, transport union or association is permitted to mount roadblocks or collect haulage fees on any road within Kwara State. "Any person or group found engaging in unauthorised collections, erecting illegal roadblocks, or obstructing the free movement of haulage operators will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the law," she declared.
The digital haulage fee platform is part of the Kwara State Government's ongoing efforts to reform tax administration, curb revenue leakages and eliminate illegal collections by unauthorised individuals and groups operating on highways across the state. The move aligns with a broader federal directive banning the cash collection of taxes and the establishment of roadblocks for revenue enforcement as part of new regulations aimed at implementing Nigeria's updated tax laws. The Federal Government had earlier banned the use of roadblocks for tax and levy collection nationwide, reducing harassment of motorists and addressing widespread public complaints about illegal taxation practices.
The Kwara initiative also follows a resolution by the 36 state governors to dismantle illegal roadblocks and multiple taxes across the country, a decision reached after a meeting of the Nigeria Governors' Forum in Abuja. The governors had agreed that illegal taxation and poor infrastructure were key contributors to high prices of goods and services. By digitising haulage fee collection, Kwara State is taking concrete steps to implement that resolution, eliminating the harassment of transporters and the extortion that has long plagued the logistics sector.
Omoniyi urged transporters and taxpayers to comply with the new system and advised those seeking clarification to visit any KW-IRS office or contact the agency's authorised consultants. The KW-IRS boss reiterated the service's commitment to lawful, transparent and technology-driven revenue administration in line with global best practices. The digital platform is expected to significantly reduce the burden on transporters, who have long complained of multiple levies and harassment at various checkpoints across the state. By moving payments online, the government aims to create a more predictable and efficient business environment for haulage operators, while also ensuring that all revenues due to the state are properly accounted for.
The crackdown on illegal roadblocks and unauthorised fee collection is a significant step towards improving the ease of doing business in Kwara State. Transporters and business owners have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the digital system would put an end to the extortion and delays that have characterised haulage operations in the state for years. The KW-IRS has assured the public that the new system will be enforced strictly, and any individual or group found violating the provisions of the law will face the full weight of sanctions. As the digital platform takes effect, the state government is expected to monitor compliance closely and take decisive action against those who attempt to circumvent the new regulations.
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