The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)

  • FRSC seeks stakeholders’ collaboration to reduce road carnages

    The Federal Road Safety Commission ( FRSC ) has urged commuters and transport unions to collaborate with the commission to mitigate road carnages.

    Mr Hyginus Omeje, Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC, made this appeal on Tuesday at the 2018 West Africa Road Safety Organisation ( WARSO ) Day held in Lagos.

    The News men reports that WARSO anniversary is observed annually on May 8 across the West African sub-region.

    The 2018 anniversary tagged, “WARSO in the last 10 years, Journey So Far” had in attendance FRSC Special Marshal, members of transport unions and other security agencies.

    Omeje, who noted that road crashes had been on downward trend, however, said that the number was still huge, hence the need for commuters and transport unions to do more in sensitisation.

    According to him, commuters must not be quiet when any driver is endangering their lives by violating traffic rules and regulations.

    “If you see something, say something. Passengers can do much in reducing accident and save lives but what we discover is that more often than not, passengers keep quite.

    “If you are in a bus and the driver is speeding, you owe it as a duty to raise your voice; but what we see is the opposite, passengers keep quiet.

    “At times, other passengers will even silence the one raising alarm. This is unfortunate, life has no duplicate.

    “We should all be proactive in ensuring that we mitigate road crashes.

    “It is no more news that road traffic injuries claim more than 1.3 million lives each year and have a huge impact on health and development.

    “It is the attitude of the road users that is the problem. If overloading will be stopped as well as driving under influence of alcohol, transport unions have a role to play,” he said.

    The FRSC boss said that road crashes had killed more than malaria and HIV aids or any other diseases had killed.

    According to him, the commission has been going to motor parks to dissuade drivers from taking alcohol or any substance capable of affecting their moods and psyches.

    Omeje said that the aim of WARSO was to promote and reinforce road safety activities in the region.

    According to him, the organisation supports national road safety bodies, coordinate road safety activities, promote and encourage exchange of experience and information among member nations.

    “Within the last 10 years, WARSO has lived up to expectations and mandate for its establishment.

    Read Also: FRSC to impound truck, trailers with extra head light

    “We have been able to come up with a uniform template to record road crashes in the sub-region.

    “We have been able to inculcate road safety activities in schools curriculum in member states to ensure children imbibe road safety culture in primary and secondary schools.

    “To commemorate this year anniversary, we have organised a motorised road show to sensitise the motoring public on the proper use of the highways to reduce crashes,” he added.

    He said that Nigeria had been able to support member nations in setting up road safety bodies as well as having coordinated road safety activities.

    Omeje said that road crashes had been gradually and steadily declining in the last three decades of FRSC establishment since 1988.

    According to him, in the first decade of FRSC existence ( 1988-1997 ), the FRSC records 207, 746 crashes, while 138, 974 road crashes was recorded in the second decade ( 1998- 2007 ).

    “There is a downward trend in the number killed. The number killed in the first decade was 81, 495 and this came down to 65, 098.

    “In the third decade between 2008 and 2017, road crashes came down to 112, 812 while the number killed also came down to 58, 706.

    “There is a consistent trending down, we are not yet there. The number of crashes and victims is still huge.

    “There is still much more work to be done in terms of awareness, sensitisation, infrastructure to help in ensuring mitigation of this menace called traffic crashes on our roads”

    He advised governments in the sub-region to strengthen various institutions mandated with prompting road safety to be effective.

    Also speaking, Mr Adegboyega Adekunbi, the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ), Ojodu Branch B, commended the FRSC and other traffic agencies for the sensitisation.

    Adekunbi, represented by Mr Taiwo Abiodun, the Secretary of the branch, however, urged the law enforcement agencies to always position themselves at strategic points that would curb accidents on highways.

    The News men  reports that the commission, apart from the road show, organised medical checkups and public enlightenment for transport unions at Berger Park, Ojodu to commemorate the WARSO Day.

    NAN

  • NURTW murder saga: Court grants bail to alleged accomplice

    An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday granted bail to Rafiu Bashorun, 48, a.k.a. Abija, one of the alleged accomplice in the murder case of the aide to NURTW chairman, Ganiu Ayinla.

    Ayinla, an aide to Mr Azeez Lawal (a.k.a. Kunle Poly) the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ), Ebute Meta Chapter was murdered on Jan. 21 at Idumota Lagos Island.

    Bashorun, who is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, attempted murder and murder of the deceased is yet to take his plea.

    The Magistrate, Mrs O. Kusanu, refused the application for remand of the accused filed by the Police.

    She held that the accused was not the one who pulled the trigger at the deceased.

    Kusanu admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum who must be tax payers.

    She adjourned the case until May 3 for mention.

    Police Prosecutor, Cyril Ejiofor had told the court that the accused allegedly committed the offences on Jan. 21 at about 12. 10 a.m. at Idumota Lagos Island.

    He alleged that the accused had conspired and attempted the murder the NURTW chairman, but missed his target and killed Ayinla, his personal assistant.

    He said the offences contravene Sections 230 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 which prescribes a death sentence for offenders.

    NAN

  • Niger: Customs collects N146m revenue in February – Comptroller

    Niger: Customs collects N146m revenue in February – Comptroller

    The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS ), Niger Area Command, said on Wednesday that it collected N146 million as internally generated revenue in February.

    Mr Benjamin Binga, the Command’s Comptroller, gave the figure in an interview with our reporter in Minna.

    The command, which comprised Niger, Kwara and Kogi, has N3.4 billion revenue target for the year, as directed by the customs headquarters.

    Binga said that the command had taken concrete working measures to ensure the realisation of increased revenue.

    According to him, adequate security measures have been adopted by the command, to block the smuggling of goods into the country through the area.

    “We have identified all the smugglers’ routes and have deployed competent officers to fight the menace to a standstill.”

    Binga solicited the support of traditional rulers, especially those at border posts, in assisting officers manning the areas with relevant information, to discourage smuggling.

    He also appealed for more working support from stakeholders, including members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ), in sharing information on smugglers’ activities.

    NAN

  • Court frees seven accused persons in NURTW chief’s murder

    Court frees seven accused persons in NURTW chief’s murder

    An Ekiti State High Court on Monday discharged and acquitted all the seven persons accused of complicity in the murder of the former National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ) Chairman Omolafe Aderiye.

    The judgment of the court in the case which lasted for over three years sparked emotions and wild jubilation by families, associates and supporters of the defendants who had massed outside the court premises.

    Aderiye, an ally of Governor Ayo Fayose, was killed on 25th September, 2014 at his private motor park, Lafe Ade Transport Services, located in Ijigbo area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The accused persons who breathed the air of freedom are Adebayo Aderiye a.ka. Ojuigo, Adeniyi Adedipe a.ka. Apase, Sola Durodola, Kayode Ajayi, Oso Farotimi a.k.a. Oso Polo, Sola Adenijo a.ka. Solar and Rotimi Olanbiwonnu a.k.a. Mentilo.

    The case commenced in November 2014 shortly after Fayose came to power and they had been in prison custody since then.

    Trial judge, Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye, held that the prosecution failed to prove the complicity of the accused persons in the murder of Aderiye.

    In arriving at the judgment, Ogunmoye held that the police failed to investigate the alibi of the accused which proved fatal to the case of the prosecution.

    He ruled that the accused persons succeeded in convincing the court that they were not at the scene of the crime which the prosecution failed to rebut.

    According to him, the prosecution failed to prove the count of conspiracy to kill the late Aderiye and the count of murder against all the seven defendants.

    Ogunmoye held that the case of the prosecution was not helped by contradictory evidence led its witnesses which he said the court won’t believe.

    For instance the judge faulted the evidence of PW 1, Wale Ibidapo, that one Adesokan Adedeji Israel emerged from a Golf car and shot sporadically into the air before firing the shot that killed the late transporter.

    Ogunmoye held that “it is inconceivable that amidst sporadic gunshots, the witness would observe the purported killer(s) as what would be in the mind of the witness was how to escape from the scene hence the court won’t believe Ibidapo’s evidence.

    Another witness whose evidence was discountenanced was PW3, Gbolahan Okeowo, who, according to the judge, gave “mutually contradictory” evidence.

    The judge held: “Inconsistencies in the evidence of the prosecution witnesses has created a doubt. Where two or more witnesses give contradictory evidence, it will be illogical to believe their testimony.”

    Ogunmoye held that in the charge of murder, the case must be proved beyond reasonable doubt which the prosecution has failed to do in the case at hand.

    The judge ruled: “None of the alibi raised by the defedants was investigated by the police. The evidence of the prosecution failed to bring down the evidence of the defendants.

    “The plea of evidence succeeds that the accused were not at the scene of the crime. The prosecution failed to rebut the evidence of the defendants.

     “The prosecution has been unable to prove that the death of Chief Omolafe Aderiye was caused by any of the defendants.

    “There was nowhere conspiracy can be inferred against any of the defendants. The first to seventh defendants are hereby discharged and acquitted.”

    There was drama within and outside the premises of the State Judiciary Complex shortly after the court rose as some family members of the defendants rolled on the ground while others wept.

    Armed policemen had a hectic time controlling the massive crowd of supporters outside the court who sang and carried some of the defendants shoulder-high.

    The security was tight as the Fayose government had scheduled a rally same day to drum support for the candidature of Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola at Fajuyi Park near the court premises.

  • Passengers hail NURTW for stable transport fare

    Passengers hail NURTW for stable transport fare

    Many passengers in Jos, on Saturday, lauded the Plateau chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), for not increasing transport fare, despite  fuel scarcity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that passengers at motor parks in Jos, expressed happiness, as commercial drivers  maintained the normal transport fare this yuletide.

    Mr Godwin Paul, an electrician, who was travelling to Kaduna from Jos, said the festive season was always stressful as people had to pay higher fare while travelling.

    “Am happy the union was able to maintain the normal transport fare but I advise people to go to the park instead of waiting by the roadside to board vehicles for security reasons,” he said.

    Speaking to NAN, Mr Jeffrey Ladan, a student of the University of Jos, expressed delight that his pocket money for transportation would not be exhausted too soon.

    Also, Miss Tessy Benjamin, an applicant, said that despite the stable transport fare, the union still robbed ‘Peter to pay Paul’.

    “The price has not increased but instead of three passengers at the rear seat of a golf wagon vehicle, four persons were made to occupy it but the drivers are not to blame,” she said.

    A driver at the park, who pleaded anonymity, said he slept at the park before getting fuel at N143 per litre at the NNPC Mega Filling Station, alleging that fuel sold for N200 per litre in the open market in Jos.

    NAN also spoke with Mr Jafar Umar, a ticket attendant, who said the NURTW executives were sensitive to the hardship of the people and therefore, made efforts to maintain normal transport fare.

    NAN reports that Jos to Kaduna fare remains N2,000; Jos to Bauchi, N1,000; Jos to Gombe, N2,000 and Jos to Abuja N1,600.

    NAN reports that despite the stable transport fare, motorists charged passengers extra pay for their luggages, which were hitherto taken free before yuletide.

  • Yuletide: NURTW bans alcohol sale in Lagos motor parks

    Yuletide: NURTW bans alcohol sale in Lagos motor parks

    The National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ) says it has banned sales of alcoholic drinks in all motor parks in Lagos State ahead of the festive period.

    Mr Tajudeen Agbede, the Lagos State Chairman of NURTW, made this known on Monday in an interview.

    Agbede said that the union has set up a task force to enforce the ban in various motor parks across the state.

    “We don’t want to experience any form of accident on the highways as a result of alcoholic drinks during the festive period.

    Read also: Lagos moves to check drink-driving

    “We have four units of the task force going round the motor parks, at least three times a week, to enforce the ban on sales of alcoholic drinks within and outside our parks,” he said.

    The union chairman said the ban was not only meant for the festive seasons, adding that it would continue after the festivities.

    Agbede also appealed to the commuters to board vehicles at the designated motor parks for security of their lives and property instead of boarding unsafe vehicles by the roadside.

    He said that the union has also put in place some security measures in all the parks to guarantee safety of the commuters.

    “Our motor parks are safe to board vehicles to anywhere you are going to in the country,” he said.

    NAN

  • FCTA to designate parks for intra-city transport operators — official

    FCTA to designate parks for intra-city transport operators — official

    The FCTA Transport Secretary, Mr Kayode Opeifa, has announced plans to designate motor parks for intra-city commercial vehicle operators in Abuja within the next few months.

    Opeifa made the announcement during interactive session with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja on Thursday.

    He said the initiative was part of efforts by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to restore sanity to the transport sector in the nation’s capital.

    He added that it would also check the frequent clash between commercial drivers and the FCT joint security taskforce.

    To this end, Opeifa said a joint committee would set up membership drawn from transport unions and the transport secretariat to work out the modalities.

    He solicited the understanding and cooperation of operators with the FCTA in its bid to actualise the Abuja Transportation Master Plan for the benefit of all.

    Describing operators as key stakeholders in the sector, the secretary urged them to always toe the path of dialogue in their engagements with government and other players.

    He said government was looking into their grievances, including alleged extortion and harassment by security agents, restriction of mini-buses and painted taxis in some areas, among others.

    Opeifa used the opportunity to reiterate that no driver was killed by the FCT taskforce at Wuse Market on Nov. 8 as widely reported in the media.

    He urged them to properly verify whatever information they received before taking action and promised to facilitate harmonious relationship between them and the taskforce.

    The secretary said “we don’t want tension here or any problem between you and the police. We need you as partners to sanitise the transport sector in the FCT.

    “We will soon establish what we call Traffic Management Mayors or Marshals, and you will be actively involved.

    “At least 100 of you will be selected to join as traffic controllers and managers in all parts of the territory. We are in the process of making that happen.”

    Opeifa also promised to sustain the interactive sessions with them to promote understanding and synergy.

    Some of the union members, including the FCT Chairman of NURTW, Mr Isah Usman, commended the transport secretary for giving them listening ears and
    promised to cooperate with him.

  • Six division, Nigerian Army holds sanitation in Port Harcourt

    Six division, Nigerian Army holds sanitation in Port Harcourt

    The 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday conducted a sanitation exercise at Mile 3 Park, as part of Operation Crocodile Smile II in the Niger Delta.

    The  Army is conducting educational, medical and sanitation outreaches in areas where ‘Exercise Crocodile Smile II’ operation is going on.

    Col. Aminu Iliyasu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, said that the clean-up  was a humanitarian exercise of the Army within its Areas of Responsibility ( AOR ).

    Iliyasu said the Army had always been involved in humanitarian activities as its contribution to the society as well as to build confidence among the populace.

    Mr Glory Nnokam, Deputy Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ), Npkolu-Oroworukwo Motor Park, Mile 3, Port Harcourt, commended the Army’s gesture.

    “We are very surprised that they are here to clean the park for us, this is quite commendable.

    “You can see that people are not running because sanitation is good, and we are happy,” he said.

    Nnokam said that it was wrong for people to perceive the Nigerian Army as a wicked institution, adding that if the Army personnel were inhuman, they would not clean up the park.

    Chief Godwin Emenike, First Trustee, NURTW, Mile 3 Park, said that he was happy with what officers and men of the 6 Division had done.

    “You can see me, I’m sweating because when they came and said they were for sanitation, I started mobilising wheel barrows, shovels and brooms for them to work with.

    “They are really cleaning the place very well, I am very happy and wish they will do this again in the future,” Emenike said.

    He said that only criminals would run away when they saw the Army.

    “When they came, I went to them and asked why were they in the park and they said they wanted to clean our environment.

    “You can see the women helping them too, the Army is here for good,” he said.

    NAN

  • Niger warns against security threat

    Niger warns against security threat

    Niger Government on Tuesday, warned that it would take “swift and decisive enforcement’’ action against any form of security threat in the state.

    Mr Al-Amin Bmitosahi, Chief of Staff, Niger Government House, gave the warning in an interview in Minna on Tuesday.

    He said that the state government had taken proactive security measures to guarantee peaceful co-existence among the residents.

    “We have provided all that is required by our security personnel to deal decisively with any form of security threat,” he said

    Bmitosahi said traditional rulers and other stakeholders had been mobilised to report any suspected movement or bad elements in their locations to the nearest security agency for prompt action.

    ‘’We are not taking things for granted; government will continue to support and motivate security personnel deployed to flush out all the miscreants among us.’’

    He said that the state government would do everything possible to enable residents carry out their legitimate business.

    “We will pursue vigorously all bad elements in our midst for peace, progress and political stability in our state.”

    Bmitosahi said the state government had also directed the 25 local government chairmen to continue to support security agencies in their respective areas for optimal performance.

    He appealed to members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ) to compliment effort of the state government by furnishing it with intelligence information about movement of dubious characters.

    “Members of the union should always alert security agencies on any person or group of passengers with questionable character.”

    Bmitosahi also called on residents to continue to support the policies and programmes of the present administration in the state, in its efforts to implement people-oriented policies and programmes.

    NAN

  • Niger to set up courts for traffic offenders

    Niger to set up courts for traffic offenders

    Mr Umar Kuki, Director, Motor Administration Department in Niger, on Friday said the state government would set up mobile courts to try traffic offenders in the state.

    Kuki told the reporter in Minna that setting up the courts would minimize road accidents in the metropolis.

    He said the department was collaborating with Board of Internal Revenue, Ministry of Justice and other security agencies for the successful take up of the courts.

    “Motorcycle operators, civil servants and other motorists do not obey traffic rules, especially around central market, Bosso, and traffic junctions in Minna.

    “We usually record not less than 10 road accidents daily in the metropolis due to violation of of traffic rules by road users,” he said.

    The director, however, said that the department had reached out the National Union of Road Transport Workers ( NURTW ) and Commercial Motorcycle Association to mobilize their members on the need to obey traffic rules.”

    NAN