Do Not Harass Couriers, LSHA Tells LG Revenue Collectors

By Suraju Raji

Lagos House of Assembly has condemned the use of touts to collect levies from couriers.

The lawmakers in addition appealed to couriers to get permit from Ministry of Transport before operating and they also called on Local government and development areas not to impound courier vehicles.

They also appealed to commissioner of police Lagos State to direct his men to stop arresting drivers without good reasons.

The House also directed Ministry of Information and strategies to embark on enlighten campaign against extortion and harassment of couriers and motorists.

The speaker, Hon Mudashiru Obasa, expressed worries over harassment of couriers and motorists. He said the local government has nothing to do with courier and driver.

He added ‘there is no reason why they should put touts on the road to collect levies. Hon Obasa observed that most of the collected money by touts don’t get to the local government accounts’.

In addition, chairman Lagos assembly committee on information and strategies, Hon David Setonji, remark that courier services improve the economy of the State, Hon Setonji expressed worries over touts collecting levies at each bus stop in Lagos.

Hon Abiodun Tobun said services of NIPOST should be regulated, he said couriers should get permit from the Ministry of Transport to identify them.

Hon Fatai Mojeed suggested centralization of collection of revenue while Hon Osun, expressed worries over the extortion and harassment by touts on Lagos roads.

The speaker therefore directed the Clerk, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko to do the needful. However, investigation revealed that some couriers who have no permits were arrested by the officers of Ministry of Transport.