Haulage Association Asks Police to Enforce Court Order Banning Highway Tax Roadblocks
- The Heavy Duty Haulage and Transporters Welfare Association of Nigeria wrote to the Inspector-General of Police requesting 20 officers for enforcement
- A Federal High Court in Abakaliki ordered the Nigeria Police Force and Joint Revenue Board to remove all revenue-collecting roadblocks on federal highways
- The association argued that illegal highway levies drive up the cost of goods and amount to economic sabotage against traders, farmers and transport operators
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The Heavy Duty Haulage and Transporters Welfare Association of Nigeria has formally asked the Inspector-General of Police to deploy 20 officers to enforce a Federal High Court ruling that orders the removal of revenue-collecting roadblocks from federal highways across the country.
The association sent a letter dated August 26, 2026, to the police headquarters in Abuja. Records show the letter was received at the Force Headquarters on August 31, 2026.
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Federal High court ruling behind the request
The push for enforcement follows a judgment delivered on July 13, 2026, by Justice Hillary I. O. Oshomah of the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki.
The case, Suit No. FHC/AI/MISC/9/2026, was brought by Amb. Ayobami Makinde, Musamad Nigeria Limited, and the Incorporated Trustees of Heavy Duty Haulage and Transporters Welfare Association against the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Joint Revenue Board.
Justice Oshomah granted an order of mandamus compelling the Nigeria Police Force and the Joint Revenue Board to ensure the immediate removal and dismantling of roadblocks, checkpoints, barriers, and other obstructions set up on federal highways for the purpose of collecting taxes, levies, dues, or other revenue.
The court also directed the police to arrest, investigate, and prosecute anyone found to have operated such roadblocks where their activities violate the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, Cap. T2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. However, the court dismissed the application as it related to the second respondent among the first set of respondents.
Why the association says enforcement matters
The association's letter, signed by National Chairman Hon. Oraka Nnaemeka and Secretary-General Amb. Ayobami Makinde, described the activities of unauthorised revenue collectors on highways as economic sabotage. The group said these collections add to the operating costs of truckers and businesses that move goods across the country.
Beyond the transport sector, the association argued that illegal charges along freight routes push up the prices of goods in local markets, affecting traders, farmers, and ordinary Nigerians who depend on road networks to receive supplies.
It said enforcing the court order would offer broad economic relief and help protect federal road infrastructure at the same time.
Source: Legit.ng
