Ogun Assembly bans illegal quarry tickets, orders task force deployment over extortion

The Ogun State House of Assembly has mandated an immediate cessation of the issuance of unauthorized tickets at quarries throughout the state following accusations of extortion and intimidation against truck drivers.

In a recent directive, the Assembly stated that haulage drivers, including those transporting sand, gravel, and granite, are required to pay only the harmonized tickets that have received approval from the Ministry of Finance, the Internal Revenue Service, and recognized trade associations.

This action was prompted by a petition from the Union of Tipper Suppliers and Quarry Employers of Nigeria (UTSQEN). The union raised concerns about extortion practices, the coercive issuance of illegal tickets, double taxation, and the unlawful seizure of trucks by toll collectors at quarry sites.

The decision emerged from a meeting held on Tuesday by the Assembly’s joint Committee on Industry, Trade and Investments and Transportation, led by Hon. Oluseun Adesanya and Hon. Wasiu Ayodele at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Committee has warned agents involved in the distribution of unauthorized tickets to cease their activities immediately. To ensure compliance, a task force will be deployed to all quarry sites while a thorough investigation is conducted.

Additionally, the Committee has summoned the permanent secretaries of the ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, Transportation, and Environment, as well as a senior director from the Ministry of Finance, to appear for questioning on October 20 regarding the legality of the tickets being issued at quarries.

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