Ogun Govt Clarifies On Regulatory Authority In Transport Sector, Says Local Governments Have No Control

Ogun State Government has clarified that only the State Ministry of Transportation, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are empowered to formulate policy, issue approvals to recognize unions and associations, and enforce compliance across the State in the transport sector.

The State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr Gbenga Dairo issued the clarification in a statement made available to Edu-biznews on Friday 

The Commissioner who was correcting the misinformation circulating in the public space, explained that regulatory structure governing the transport sector is within the State

According to the statement, 

regulation, licensing, approval, and oversight of transport operations, unions, associations, and the informal transport sector do not fall within the statutory powers of Local Governments in Ogun State.

"By law and established administrative practice, transport regulation is the exclusive responsibility of the Ogun State Government, exercised through the appropriate State Ministry of Transportation, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) empowered to formulate policy, issue approvals, recognize unions and associations, and enforce compliance across the sector. 

"Local Governments do not have the authority to register, approve, suspend, or recognize transport unions or associations in the State or citing autonomous jurisdiction."

The Commissioner explained that only the State Government has the power to regulate the activities of informal transport operators, issue operational permits or impose regulatory levies within the State-approved frameworks or assume supervisory or disciplinary control over transport stakeholders

"The role of Local Governments is strictly limited to collaboration and facilitation, as may be directed by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON and does not extend to regulation or approval", he clarified 

"Any individual, group, or entity claiming Local Government authorization for transport union recognition, regulation, or enforcement is acting outside the law and such actions are null, void, and of no legal effect.", he cautioned 

Engr. Dairo added that the Ogun State Government remains committed to maintaining order, clarity, and 

professionalism in the transport sector, and will not hesitate to take appropriate steps against misinformation or unlawful interference in State-regulated responsibilities.

"Consequent upon the above, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies operating in Ogun State, transport operators, unions, associations, and members of the public are advised to take utmost interest in the content of this bulletin and engage only with duly authorized State institutions on matters relating to transport regulation in Ogun State.", the statement concluded