Enugu Transport Workers Set for Strike as Government Seizes Dues Collection

A significant dispute is unfolding in Enugu State, threatening to paralyze commercial transportation as transport unions consider a statewide shutdown. This follows the Enugu State Government's move to take over the collection of union dues and prohibit all non-state levies at motor terminals. Sources confirm that major transport organizations, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, which collectively manage over 60,000 commercial vehicles daily across the state, are involved in this escalating conflict.

The tension began after Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), issued a directive last Wednesday. The directive outlined that the state government would assume responsibility for all terminal commission collections, remitting 15 percent of these funds back to the unions. Union leaders swiftly rejected this new policy, labeling it an attempt to misappropriate their internal welfare funds, which are crucial for maintaining branch offices, assisting injured members, and covering daily operational costs.

Speaking on Friday, ahead of a scheduled meeting with government officials, NURTW member Agbo Celestine articulated the operators' stance, warning that drivers would cease transport services across Enugu State if the government failed to revert to the previous arrangement. "We are trade unions governed nationwide by rules from our national headquarters, not controlled by the state," Agbo asserted. He further added, "The percentage the governor said he will give to national unions targets union management, not field workers who feed their families from daily collections. If the peace we are providing is no longer acceptable, we will also come out and protest."

Another union representative, Chisom Njoku, condemned the government's action, highlighting that unions are responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and loading vehicles without any state financial aid. He detailed the existing daily state taxes collected via the e-ticket system, which range from N750 for tricycles (Keke) to N4,500 for heavy trailers, in addition to charges for digital manifests and emblem tags.

In response to these union grievances, the management of Enugu East Zone Bus Terminals released a public announcement detailing new regulatory measures aimed at curbing extortion and streamlining terminal operations. These directives, issued by the state government, include:

* **Town Service (Intra-City) Vehicles:** All toll collections from tricycles and intra-city buses operating within Enugu City were to cease as of October 1, 2026.

* **Interstate Vehicles:** Toll collection for interstate departures was adjusted to the equivalent cost of one passenger seat per exit.

* **Ban on Non-State Collections:** All forms of non-state revenue collection at terminals were immediately prohibited, disallowing unions, associations, or individuals from collecting unapproved levies.

Official documents from the Enugu East Bus Terminals Revenue Improvement Plan indicate proposed terminal service charges per departure. These fees range from N100 for tricycles and N200 for town service buses, escalating to N2,000 for South-East routes, N3,000 for South-South routes, and N4,000 for destinations like Abuja, Lagos, and other Northern regions. A digital manifest system (TAP) is intended to automatically track trip records, passenger manifests, and payments.

Reaffirming the government's position, ESIRS Chairman Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani told our correspondent that authorities would not tolerate illegal multiple taxation imposed on residents and drivers. "These guys are insatiable. They cause government bad names in multiple taxation of residents, and government cannot watch them do that and go free," Nnamani stated. He further questioned, "In every e-ticket, the union gets N100, and we pay them 12 per cent as ticket agents, plus 70 per cent of enforcement default tickets. In bus terminals, how on earth will a union charge every vehicle between N4,000 to N8,000 per loading? This is the height of inhuman treatment, and they must limit themselves to the agreement had with the government."

With both the state government and transport unions maintaining their respective positions, commuters in Enugu State are now facing the prospect of widespread transit disruptions as negotiations remain unresolved.