NIGERIA: Edo Governor Okpebholo Cracks Down On Revenue Collection Over Corruption

Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken bold steps to reform the state’s revenue system, ordering an immediate halt to all revenue collection activities in Edo’s motor parks and similar venues.

The suspension, announced on Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, just one day after Okpebholo’s inauguration, signals his administration’s focus on curbing corruption and increasing transparency in public finance.

In his statement, Okpebholo made it clear that this move is part of a larger plan to assess and potentially restructure revenue collection mechanisms in the state. The governor underscored his commitment to rooting out fraud and abuse in the system, stating that new, more accountable methods would be considered following a thorough review.

“This is not just a temporary measure,” Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, clarified. “The governor aims to bring transparency to revenue collection and ensure that all processes genuinely benefit the people of Edo.” The governor emphasised that during this suspension, any individual or entity attempting to collect revenue on behalf of the state will be subject to arrest, with the Commissioner of Police receiving clear directives to enforce this order.

Political analysts view Okpebholo’s decision as an ambitious move towards reshaping governance in Edo State. His directive has drawn support from citizens who have long been frustrated by inefficiencies and perceived corruption in revenue collection.

“For years, we’ve seen money collected without a trace of its impact on local development,” said Obinna Akande, a civil society advocate in Benin City. “The governor’s action is refreshing, as it finally addresses these issues head-on.”