Osun rolls out new transport Law to curb multiple taxation, boost safety

The Osun State Government has sensitised transport operators, vehicle owners, drivers, riders, and key stakeholders on the state’s newly enacted Integrated Transport, Traffic and Park Management System Law, 2026.

The initiative prioritises reducing multiple taxation, curbing illegal levies, and enhancing road safety across the state.

Organised by the state Ministry of Transportation, the engagement brought together transport union leaders, park managers, commercial operators, and government officials to outline the provisions of the law and clarify stakeholders’ responsibilities under the new framework.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Accounting Officer for the Ministry of Transport, Olumide Taiwo, explained that the legislation is designed to establish a structured, transparent, and technology-driven transport ecosystem.

“The purpose of this sensitisation is not simply to announce a new law. It is to ensure that the people who will work with it every day, drivers, riders, vehicle owners, transport associations, and park managers, understand its provisions, their responsibilities, and, equally importantly, the protections and benefits available to them,” Taiwo stated.

He explained that the framework provides for the registration and identification of commercial operators and vehicles, the use of approved parks and loading points, proper display of number plates, rigorous roadworthiness checks, and improved traffic management.

According to him, to ensure seamless enforcement, the law introduces modern technologies, including electronic identification, QR and NFC credentials, digital payment logs, cameras, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.

He noted that the Daily Operation Levy will be linked directly to verified commercial activity, ensuring operators are only taxed on active working days to eliminate arbitrary assessments.

The Acting Chairman of the Osun Internal Revenue Service, Solanke Hamzat, noted that the reform aligns with national tax administration goals aimed at transparency and the eradication of multiple taxation.

“If you look at the 2025 Nigerian Tax Act and Tax Administration, you will see that what we are trying to do is make taxation more open and transparent while eradicating multiple levies. Simplicity is the key word,” Hamzat said.

He added that digital payment records and official electronic receipts will protect transport operators from repeated, informal demands for payment, ultimately eliminating roadside touts.

“Once you have paid and you have your digital receipt, nobody can come and harass you again for money. All those touts harassing people on the road will now be eradicated,” Hamzat assured.

He said the automated system will plug revenue leakages by preventing ticket duplication and ensuring that collections go directly into government coffers.

Addressing the implementation timeline, Hamzat stressed that the law is already active, giving commercial vehicle operators a 60-day window from the date of the governor’s assent to complete their mandatory registration.

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