The Ogun State Government has commenced immediate enforcement of Commercial Vehicles (Road Haulage) Fees Law (Amended) 2013, just as it warned all relevant stakeholders in the mining sector that it will no longer tolerate the evasion of Haulage fees payment on quarry products in the State.

A release signed by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, and directed to stakeholders in the mining sector stated that the government with her appointed Agent, Nigeria Union of Mines Workers would embark on the enforcement.

The release further stated that a ruling by Justice J.O Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Holden in Suit No: FHC/AB/CS/74/2020 in a protracted legal tussle initiated by the Director of Mushilab Nigeria Limited, Mr. Shittu Alabi has on January 11, 2022, affirmed that the collection of the haulage fees is within the ambit of the law.

“The Judge in this ruling further affirms the constitutionality of the Ogun State Commercial Vehicles (Road Haulage) Fees Law (Amended) 2013 and that its demand does not amount to double taxation”, the release added.

It warned that “defaulters shall be treated according to the Law and shall be liable upon conviction to payment of fine or imprisonment of one year or both”.

The Haulage Fees Law provides for the payment of haulage fees by persons conveying commercial goods, minerals and their products within, from and into the State and other matters connected therewith.