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Tricycle Protests: Soludo moves to upstage revenue touts
Last Thursday and Friday, movement was grounded in the capital city of Awka, Anambra State, as commercial tricycle and shuttle bus operators downed tools.
Workers and traders who prepared to leave for work were unable to arrive at their work and business places as a result of the strike by the protesters.
Several persons were seen stranded at bus stops, including pupils and students who could not make it to school because of the absence of the operators. Though it was not clear to many what could have gone wrong, until around 10 am when tricyclists arrived at major junctions, setting bonfires and chanting protest songs.
In Awka, there is a high level of cultism, which many have attributed to tricycle operators, their union leaders and bigwigs who receive returns from many dedicated routes across the city.
Recently, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo announced a new tax regime for the operators and gave months of grace, which has expired. Upon the expiration of the grace period, Soludo announced that the tricycle operators in the State will pay tax monthly, as against the daily payment they made.
A press release from the State Internal Revenue Board, signed by the Chairman/Chief Executive, Mr Richard Madiebo stated in part that: “Tricycle operators will pay a monthly N15,000, shuttle bus operators will pay N20,000 monthly.”
There was mild resistance by the operators as a result of the amount involved, but the State government did well to break down the payment, saying that before then, operators paid close to N1,500 daily, which were made to revenue touts, and which amounts to over N40,000 monthly.
But to remain relevant, the union leaders invited the operators, which led to the protests. In a bid to curb the problem of transport in the State, the State government has adopted measures, by dialoguing with the operators and churning out new orders, which may arrest the situation.
Comrade Osita Obi, a human rights activist and Coordinator of Keke Drivers’ Association, who witnessed a two-day meeting on Saturday and Sunday, after the Thursday and Friday protest, laid the blame on the doorstep of the union members, who invited the operators for a protest.
Obi, in a conversation with our correspondent said the N15,000 monthly payment was not the grouse of the tricycle operators, but the constant harassment they will face after paying the amount, as they were still being compelled to remit monies to touts who work with their union leaders, posing as revenue agents, in negation of the governor’s order that after the payment of the N15,000, no more money would be paid.
Prof Soludo, on learning of the continuous operation of the touts placed a ban on them. In a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, the government made far reaching decisions.
“In order to forestall a breakdown of law and order, the State government hereby suspends all tricycle and shuttle bus unions in the State with immediate effect for six months. This is pending further investigations and a possible harmonization of the unions which shall have a leadership known to, and recognized by, the State Government. Government has considered their plea and decided to offer them a convenient payment option and other fringe benefits that could add value to their well-being,” he said.
The commissioner, Nwosu said he has explained how the operators can remit the amounts: “Tricycle operators now have the option of paying N4,000 weekly or N15,000 monthly. However, tricycle operators in the 8 Local Government Areas that are affected by the curfew will pay N3,000 weekly or N12,000 monthly. They will revert to the normal rates of N4,000 weekly or N15,000 monthly as soon as the curfew is lifted. Shuttle bus operators will pay N5,000 weekly or N20,000 monthly.”
Considering operators around the university environment and the current ASUU strike, the government said NANS shuttle buses in the area will pay N2,500 weekly or N10,000 monthly. This group will also revert to the normal rates of N5,000 weekly or N20,000 monthly as soon as the strike is called off. Taxis will pay N4,375 weekly or N17,500 monthly.
“Township bus will pay N5,000 weekly or N20,000 monthly. Mini trucks and Pick-up will pay N5,000 weekly or N20,000 monthly, respectively. Intra-state will pay N6,250 weekly or N25,000 monthly. Loading and off-loading in government (public) parks will now be free. Moving forward, every compliant commercial vehicle driver will get a free Health Insurance cover that would enable the insured to have access to basic health and emergency services in any Anambra State hospital.
“Government wishes to reiterate its ban on touts (agbero) and cult groups that are used to enforce illegal collection of tolls and taxes. Only government accredited agents are entitled to collect tolls. Alternatively, the commercial vehicle operator could go and pay at any of the banks or any Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) pay-point nearest to him,” the release read.
Soludo has further proscribed all Keke and shuttle bus unions in the State.
A public affairs commentator, Mr Jude Eze said: “Soludo has taken steps to perfect Anambra, and her revenue, but we hope that he will tame the Keke union. That is where all the trouble is. It is not about pronouncing the proscription, but the ability to enforce it.”
News
Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
News
Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
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Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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