Prof. Kailani Muhammad, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Harmony Corps of Nigeria, says the corps has received the Federal Government’s mandate to flush out touts from the nation’s highways in a bid to reduce food prices.
Muhammad made this known in Abuja on Thursday at the Food Security Summit themed “Tracking the Transport Challenges Against Economic Development in Nigeria.” The summit was organised by the Harmony Corps of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Agricultural Products Dealers (NAAPD).
He said the initiative aims to end the collection of illegal taxes and levies on highways, which contribute to the rising cost of food items nationwide.
> “We have thugs, criminals, crooks, and touts on our roads collecting illegal taxes and levies. These charges are passed on to consumers, making food expensive,” Muhammad said.
“If touts are stationed at 10 checkpoints, collecting money dubiously, that cost is added to the price of goods. It is too bad, and that is why we want to clear them. We have the government’s mandate and will do everything possible to remove these illegal operators so that food can be affordable.”
Muhammad said the corps is working with the police, army, DSS, and other security agencies to enforce the directive.
He disclosed that the corps is mapping out all illegal checkpoints across the country and will soon release a blueprint for the nationwide operation. A control room will also be established to monitor trucks in transit, ensuring they move safely and without unnecessary costs.
Elizabeth Omini, Founder and Harmony Corps’ General, announced that the corps had signed a Deed of Agreement with NAAPD to implement and execute the mandate. She said the implementation would boost government revenue through legitimate taxation, reduce food prices by eliminating multiple levies, improve the business environment and investor confidence, and enhance road safety while reducing the risk of accidents, robberies, and kidnappings.
“Together, we will make a difference, ensure food security, promote economic development, and create a better future for our nation,” Omini said.
Chief Charles Orji, BoT Chairman of NAAPD, welcomed the move, saying multiple taxation has been a major driver of food price hikes.
“They keep collecting money, beating drivers, stealing from them. When will it stop? It will stop now,” Orji said.
He advised truck drivers to insist on paying legitimate levies only at points of loading and offloading, not at illegal highway checkpoints.
