By joshua 
IML: Consultant, Transport Commissioner Reacts to Kogi NLC, says Agency not relenting efforts towards sensitization, educating stakeholders.
The Consultant to the Kogi State Government on Infrastructure Maintenance Levy, A’S Consultant, Daramola Ademola Michael says the Agency is not relenting in it efforts towards ensuring that Citizens and stakeholders are sensitize on the benefits that would be accrued from the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy.
The Consultant called on the Nigerian Labour Congress, Kogi State Chapter to join hands with the State Government in the successful implementation of the Infrastructure Maintenance Levy that was recently approved by the State Government.
The Consultant however said it was unfortunate that after series of engagement and meetings with the Kogi State NLC, they seem not to have a full grasp of what the IML is qnd why they should be in the Vanguard for drumming support and sensitizing affiliates.
Similarly, the Kogi State Commissioner For Transport, Hon. Atuluku Victor Levi, lamented that despite several engagements with the critical Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Labour Congress, they would still hold an erroneous impression about IML. He however expressed satisfaction that the negative impression the NLC held unto was corrected during the launch of CNG vehicles by the National President of the NLC in Lokoja.
Recalled that the Chairman, NLC, Kogi State Chapter during the Inauguration of the CNG vehicles in Kogi State by the National President of NLC, Comr. Joe Ajero, had lamented the intimidation, harassment and arrest of members of the NURTW, Okada and Tricycle Operators by the Consultant engaged by the State Government on Infrastructure Maintenance Levy.
But in a swift reactions, the Consultant and the Commissioner for Transport dispelled the erroneous impression, called on the NLC to work with the State Government for the successful implementation of the IML policy in the State.
” Kogi State cannot be different from other states that are benefitting from IML. The policy has been operational in other states and is achieving results.
The Consultant said he will continue to partner with the Commissioner for Transport as well as the KGIRS to sensitize and educate the citizens on the benefits of the policy, pointing out that accepting change is usually challenging.
” No where in the world is a union allowed to collect dues on the infrastructure built by the Government. The roads in which the Unions are collecting Levy which they call due is a misnomer.
” We are putting in place a seamless policy on the implementation of the law. No one will be harassed or arrested if they follow the due guidelines.
” It is going to be a win win situation for all the stakeholders, the Consultant disclosed.
“The IML will enable the State Government to build and maintain more roads, hospitals and other infrastructure.
” The Union don’t build roads, hospitals nor maintain them. They have a right to collect dues, but not to collect revenue on government infrastructure in our system, neither in other places.
” While we will continue to engage and sensitize the people on the benefits of the IML, the end product will be a win win situation for the people.
” In other states where the IML is in operation, the Government will usually proscribe Unions. But in the magnanimity of Gov. Ododo, who respects the right to association, he allowed the Unions to exist, urged for cooperation from the NLC, other critical Stakeholders in the NURTW, Okada and Tricycle Unions.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Levi Victor Atuluku, said it was unfortunate that the NLC rather than join hands in building a virile Kogi State, will misinform the Unions, described the remarks by the NLC Chair as erroneous, but said it was immediately countered by the Secretary to the Government of the State.
” It is unfortunate for the Unions to alledge oppression, harassment and arrest. Only those who are not amenable to change since the executive order was made by the Governor are those found napping.
” The Unions cannot collect dues on Government infrastructure. Association have a right to collect dues amongst members but not revenue using Government infrastructure. Under the broad heading of Infrastructure Maintenance Levy, the State Government has made it clear that no Union has any mandate to collect revenue using Government infrastructure.
” The new policy thrust of the State Government is a win win situation. This will allow all money to be channelled to the Government coffers for more roads and other infrastructure while the Unions will also get their agreed determined percentage”.