Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has pledged to end unauthorised roadside collections and multiple taxation affecting transport operators and businesses if elected.
Hamzat made the pledge on Thursday during The Platform Nigeria Town Hall Meeting for Lagos State governorship candidates, where candidates outlined their programmes ahead of the 2027 election.
Responding to concerns over arbitrary levies, Hamzat said commercial transport operators, popularly known as Danfo drivers, should have clear and predictable financial obligations rather than face repeated demands along their routes.
He proposed establishing a State Economic Council to coordinate revenue policies between the state government and local councils.
According to him, the proposed council would help harmonise levies and prevent unauthorised collections at junctions.
“One of the things we will create is a State Economic Council where, as a government, we meet with all local governments to streamline the process. We know they are independent, but we are attending to the same citizens. No one should stand at junctions collecting anything from anybody.”
Hamzat said businesses and transport operators that have paid their officially designated fees should not face additional roadside demands.
“Businesses must know what they are required to pay. The moment they pay it, they must be left alone so we stop pulling the rug from under them.”
He said the proposed approach would provide greater predictability for businesses and commercial operators while addressing overlapping charges imposed by different levels of government.
The issue comes amid broader concerns over road-related revenue collections. NBS data analysed by our source showed that Lagos recorded ₦16.74bn in road tax revenue in 2023 and ₦16.87bn in 2025.
