The Kwara State Government has warned that individuals, transport unions and other groups collecting haulage fees without authorisation or erecting illegal roadblocks across the state risk sanctions as it begins the implementation of a digital haulage fee payment system.
The government said 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 her, 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.
“A key provision of the reforms is the discontinuation of roadblocks and other unauthorised checkpoints for the purpose of revenue collection,” Omoniyi said.
She explained that transporters would no longer make payments to individuals stationed along highways, as all haulage fees would now be processed electronically.
“Rather, the process has now been fully digitalised to ensure transparency, accountability, efficiency and seamless compliance,” she added.
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.
“The Service wishes to state that no unauthorized official, transport union, association, is permitted to mount roadblocks or collect haulage fees on any road within Kwara State.
“Any person or group found engaging in unauthorized collections, erecting illegal roadblocks, or obstructing the free movement of haulage operators will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the law,” she warned.
The KW-IRS boss 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 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.
