In a bid to curb the harassment and multi-taxation poised against the Courier and Logistics services riders within the State; Lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has directed the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde and other relevant Agencies to ensure that the riders, having complied with the terms and guidelines initiated by the State Government should not be harassed by extortionists and touts in the discharge of their activities. Hon. Ganiyu Sanni who moved the motion on behalf of the prime mover, Hon. Adewale Temitope, Chairman Committee on Transportation during Plenary on Monday, advocated that the State government be further called on to ensure their smooth operations within the State.
Appraising the motion for its timeliness, Hon. Bisi Yusuff noted that the motion will receive commendation from the public. Sharing a personal experience, He described that the countenance of the taskforce official in charge of the riders’ tax collection was uncalled for, serving as an embarrassment to the State government. “It is high time we stop this embarrassment to the individual, local and State government.” Hon. Agunbiade S.O.B addressed that the businesses of the dispatch riders are a new happening increasing by the day which helps people to interact through technology and logistics services, creating employment and generating State revenue. Adding that the collection of multi taxes from these operators defeats the purpose and goal of the business as a profitable enterprise; Hon. Agunbiade explained that the motion addressed the way to further regulate the specifications adhered to the Law concerning Courier and Logistics services.
He further stated that the officials collecting the revenue must be uniformed and identified in accordance with the laws of the State to avoid unlawful harassment of operators. Hon. David Setonji noted that the Courier and Logistics service sector has come to play a major role in E-Commerce and will be crushed if they are overwhelmed by multi-taxation. The House therefore further resolved to call on the Ministry of Information and Strategy to enlighten operators of logistic services on relevant provisions of extant laws regulating their services in the State. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa directs the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko to send the resolute to the appropriate quarters.
