In an era where local governments should focus on attracting investment, boosting trade, and encouraging consumer confidence, it is deeply troubling to see Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State moving in the opposite direction. A troubling and unlawful practice along Old Abraka Road, Boji-Boji, Owa, has brought to light an urgent and disgraceful reality — consumers purchasing motorcycles (bikes) in the area are being compelled to pay so-called ‘local government fees’, a practice that is both unethical and illegal.
This is nothing short of extortion in disguise, packaged under the false pretense of local government revenue generation. It defies logic and reason. Since when did it become the responsibility of a buyer — an ordinary consumer — to fund the local government simply for making a lawful purchase? This is not a market levy imposed on traders or shop owners; this is an outright financial ambush on innocent buyers who simply came to acquire a product with their hard-earned money.
Across Nigeria — from Lagos to Kano, and from Port Harcourt to Sokoto — no such anti-consumer practice exists. In every functioning economy, a buyer’s duty ends the moment they pay the agreed price to the seller. It is unheard of that a local government would arbitrarily insert itself into that transaction, demanding payment from buyers as though purchasing a bike in Ika North East is a crime that requires financial atonement.
This illegal demand is a gross violation of consumer rights, flying in the face of Nigeria’s Consumer Protection Act, which upholds the principle that buyers are entitled to fair and transparent transactions free from coercion and hidden charges. Forcing consumers to pay such levies is an abuse of power, showing total disregard for the laws that govern fair trade and commerce.
The consequences of this unjust practice stretch far beyond the immediate frustration of individual buyers. It poisons the entire business environment of Ika North East. No rational consumer would willingly choose to shop in an area notorious for financial harassment. This inevitably leads to customers seeking alternative markets in neighboring towns or even outside the state entirely. When consumers leave, businesses suffer. When businesses collapse, the local economy shrinks. What appears to be a shortcut to revenue generation is, in reality, a destructive cycle that leaves everyone — including the local government itself — worse off.
The blame for this institutionalized extortion rests squarely at the doorstep of the Ika North East Local Government Authority. If there is truly a need to raise revenue, the lawful route is clear: impose reasonable taxes or levies on businesses operating in the area, not on innocent buyers who have no stake in regulatory obligations. The duty of revenue generation lies with businesses — not with the customers who patronize them.
We therefore demand urgent action from the Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Area. This unlawful extortion must be thoroughly investigated, the perpetrators identified, and firm corrective measures put in place. A public declaration should follow, outlawing any future attempts to impose illegal fees on buyers within the jurisdiction. The Chairman must also engage with local business associations to rebuild consumer confidence and reassure buyers that they can shop freely and safely without fear of harassment.
Ika North East stands at a crossroads. It can either embrace progressive policies that foster trade and attract economic growth, or cling to crude extortion tactics that alienate customers and impoverish the local economy. The choice should be clear.
A thriving economy is built on trust, fairness, and respect for the law. Extortion — no matter how cleverly disguised — has no place in a modern society. Let fairness, not extortion, govern our markets.
Akinola J. Aladejowo
Concerned Citizen and a journalist!