The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)

Motorcyclist charged with stabbing NURTW official

A 25-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Umar Saadu, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stabbing an official of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) with a screwdriver on the head and chest.

The accused, a resident of the Abattoir area of Oko-oba, Agege, a Lagos suburb, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault.

According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Joseph Ajebe, the accused with another man still at large stabbed the complainant, John Sanni, an official of NURTW on the head and chest with a screwdriver.

Ajebe told the court that the incident occurred on March 7 at 10.30 a.m. at Oja-Oba Road, Abule-Egba on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

He said the NURTW official had intercepted the accused, who was riding his motorcycle with registration no. GGE 749 QD and demanded his tickets.

“The accused who could not produce the tickets, suddenly brought out a screwdriver and stabbed the complainant on his head and chest several times, causing him grievous bodily harm.”

The offences contravened Sections 171 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.‎

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 171 provides three years for assault occasioning harm, while Section 409 stipulates two years for conspiracy.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Alexander Komolafe, in his ruling, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Further hearing was adjourned until March 27.

March 23, 2017
Acting Commissioner: LASG has no plan to ban ‘danfo’

Lagos State Ministry of Transport has no plan to ban yellow buses known as “Danfo” but to upgrade them to international standard, the acting Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Lanrewaju Elegushi, has disclosed.

Elegushi made the disclosure in Lagos on Tuesday during a stakeholder’s forum to deliberate on how to improve the transport system in the state.

He said that the plan of the government was to restructure the transportation system in the state to international standard.

“What we are planning is to restructure the transportation system in the state to meet international standard.

“That is why we organised this forum to seek the contributions of the people involved at the new Bus Terminal at Tafawa Balewa Square.

“We are changing the face of the transport system in Lagos state with fully air condition buses, charging port, CCTV and other infrastructure for the benefit of commuters,” he said.

Elegushi said the government had also embarked on building of standard bus terminus in various locations across the state, to standardise the transport system.

The acting commissioner appealed to the stakeholders to make judicious use of the new bus terminal at TBS.

In his remarks, Mr. Kunle Azeez, the Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Idumota branch, commended the government for building befitting bus terminal for members of the union.

He assured the government that members of the union would obey rules and regulations and ensure proper maintenance of the terminal.

“We appreciate the government for carrying us along in its development plan.

“I am sure that our members will not let the government down in its plan to make the state a Mega City,” he added.

On Feb. 6, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode announced that the government plans to restructure the operations of ‘danfo’ buses for a an efficient, well-structured and world-class mass transport system.

According to the governor, a well-structured transport system will ease movement within the state and make Lagos cleaner

February 28, 2017
Ban on ‘danfo’: Lagos allays fear of job loss as NURTW backs move

Lagos State Government has allayed the fear of job lost in the state’s transport sector as it moves to stop operations of yellow commercial buses popularly known as ‘danfo’ in order to ensure a more efficient transport system

In a session with journalists, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde assured that there will be no job lost by the time the state phases out usage of yellow commercial buses, popularly known as ‘danfo’.

Ayorinde who explained that the government has had series of meeting with stakeholders concerned in the business of mass transportation said the idea to phase out ‘danfos’ in Lagos is essential for the common good of all Lagosians.

He furthered, “We are not taking the yellow buses out of the whole of Lagos. In the first instance, they will still be able to work in communities, local government roads, but not on the highways, major roads within the metropolis of Lagos.

Ayorinde added that the yellow buses will be allowed to move into the hinterland but stated that there will be sufficient and more environmentally friendly buses that will be provided by the state before that is done.”

He said: “The buses that will be brought with air conditions, provisions for physically challenged people will not be powered by angels, solar or driverless technologies. Drivers will work there, bus assistant will work there, so what it means is that we won’t just be able to employ erstwhile drivers of yellow buses but we will also be able to employ bus assistant that read tickets, sign and issue tickets and operate computers. Who says they can’t even be graduates? So far they are adequately remunerated.

“That is the vision that the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has for Lags state, So it is not about taking jobs away from anybody it is about making lives better for those who are in the sector.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Chapter, on Tuesday advised its members not to panic over the proposed ban on operations of yellow commercial buses.

The state Chairman of the union, Mr Tajudeen Agbede, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Recall that Ambode had on Feb. 6 announced a plan to stop operations of yellow commercial buses popularly known as ‘danfo’ for a more efficient, well-structured and world-class mass transport system.

Ambode said that the well-structured transport system would ease movement within the state and make Lagos cleaner without burdening the people in terms of taxes.

Agbede said that the union was discussing the proposed ban with the government, adding that the union was ready to cooperate with the state government on its mega city project.

“We are still discussing with the government on the proposed ban on yellow buses, but we believe it is going to yield a positive result.

“The union is ready to comply with the conditions of making the state a mega city.

“We are ready to change the colour of our buses and also comply with the directive to follow the service lanes,” Agbede said.

February 14, 2017
12 injured, motorcycles destroyed as riders, NURTW clash

There was pandemonium at Igando, a Lagos suburb on Thursday morning after commercial motorcyclists and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) clashed.
At least 12 persons were said to have sustained injuries and several motorcycles destroyed in the fight that grounded business activities in the area.
Among the injured were Abdullahi Lawal who’s on admission at the hospital, while others are Saheed Ayanshola, Taofeeq Jimoh, Olorunfemi Shakiru, Segun Idowu, Abbass Ahmed and Kazeem Ramoni.
Trouble was said to have started after the NURTW increased the prices of the ticket for Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) including commercial motorcycles.
From a daily levy of about N400, it was gathered that the parent body increased the fare of motorcyclists to over N1,000.
It was learnt motorcyclists at Alimosho usually paid N50 tax security and ticket N200 on a daily basis until the introduction of the new rates which indicated that they have to pay N500 to the national NURTW and N200 booking tickets to operate within.
Angered by the increment, the motorcyclists’ union told their members to resist any attempt by NURTW officials to pay the levies, which did not go well with the latter.
However, the NURTW denied that the hike was over N1,000, insisting that the daily fares for motorcyclists at Alimosho was N600.
According to the union’s Secretary, Tijani Pekis, booking ticket was introduced in order to curb cases of illegal taxation motorcyclists were subjected to.
He said: “This is a case between a father and his son, which an adopted father wanted to hijack. It is a misunderstanding between the rank and file of the union and so we are meeting to resolve it.
“What actually happened was that some of our workers used the restriction of motorcycles to certain routes in the state to extort motorcyclists.
“They keep collecting money from them and these riders end up paying so much daily. In Alimosho alone, there are over 30 units and imagine how much they spend, laying N50 tax security to each one daily.
“At the end of the day, their interest is not protected and the money goes into private pockets. So, in order to correct that situation, we introduced booking tickets of N200 per day. With this ticket, an Okada can ply Igando to Egbeda and Ikotun, but cannot go to places like Surulere because of the restriction.
“At Igando, they protested and we reduced the amount to N100 per day, and then, the N500 daily paid to national, totaling N600. Still, they refused to pay. That was what caused the fight, but it’s being resolved because we are members of the same family.”
The Nation gathered that it took the intervention of anti-riot policemen from Igando Division and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) for the factions to retreat.
Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni and RRS Commander, Tunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) were on ground and appealed to the parties to maintain peace.

October 27, 2016
Motor park clash: Police arrest two suspects in Minna

The Police in Niger state have arrested two suspects in connection with a misunderstanding between two transport unions at the Abdulsalam Abubakar Motor Park, Minna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the squabble, which Occurred on Oct.22, resulted to the death of one person.

The fight happened between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and their counterparts of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria.

The Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, ASP Bala Elkaina, confirmed the arrest in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Minna.

Bala said investigation into the fracas had commenced, and that the command would ensure diligent prosecution of the culprits.

October 24, 2016
Scores injured as commercial drivers clash in Ibadan

*Police wade in to restore normalcy

Several clashes between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ibadan yesterday left many injured.

Using dangerous weapons, they clashed at various motor parks across the city at different times leading to casualties in both sides.

The clashes created panics at major motor parks, particularly, at the Iwo Road interchange while they lasted. Other areas where violence was unleashed include Monatan, Oremeji, Agugu, Olomi and Apata. Gunshot rented the air in some parks, making residents and commuters scamper for safety.

The Nation learnt that the fight was a test of supremacy between the two associations.

A member of RTEAN, Muftau Aleshinloye, said the association was putting a stop to extortion by NURTW members whom he accused of collecting dues from RTEAN members. “That is extortion. And we won’t allow that to continue.

“RTEAN has existed for many years before politicians backed NURTW to dominate other transport workers. RTEAN is a registered body that has its own autonomy. We are not inferior to NURTW which uses force to extort money from us.

“I am a taxi driver but NURTW people collect money from me every day at the parks and on the roads. They threaten us with weapons but this has to stop. I am aware that RTEAN proposed that NURTW should only collect park fee from its members and allow RTEAN members to pay to RTEAN executives but it was rejected by NURTW executives who feed fat on us. That was what led to today’s fight.” Aleshinloye said.

But the NURTW debunked his claim, saying RTEAN should be blamed for attacking NURTW members in some motor parks.

The State Secretary of the union, Akin James, said: “I am yet to understand the motive behind the attacks. Many of our members were injured and taken to hospitals. For a while, RTEAN has been advocating taking over some motor parks and the Commissioner of Police, Leye Oyebade, had severally warned that he would not allow trouble makers in the state. We have reported to the police and arrests have been made in areas where fight was recorded.

While confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the police command had invited leaders of the two Union for a meeting with a view to finding a permanent solution to the crisis. He added that some arrests have been made but did not give the number of suspects arrested.

July 8, 2016
NURTW warns members against excessive speed

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has warned its members against excessive speed, especially during the Ramadan.

The Chairman of the union in Kwara, Alhaji Aliyu Ore, gave the warning on Friday in Ilorin on the sidelines of a Ramadan lecture delivered by a popular cleric, Ibrahim Abdullahi.

He advised commercial drivers to always depart for their trips early so that they would not be under pressure to engage in excessive speed.

The union leader also enjoined drivers not to use their cell phones while driving so as not to be distracted.

Ore further urged them to abide strictly by the union’s ban on drinking and driving.

He commended the national executive of the union under its President, Alhaji Najeem Yasin, for providing purposeful leadership.

Ore assured the state government of the union’s support and cooperation while pleading that it should ensure that all roads were rehabilitated.

June 24, 2016
Photos: Proposed interchange: Gov meets Oshodi transport leaders

R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right); Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule during a meeting with Transport Union Leaders, Oshodi Market Men & Women on the construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), in a warm handshake with Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Council, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede (2nd right) while a Trustee member of NURTW, Lagos Council, Comrade Paul Oginni during a meeting with Transport Union Leaders, Oshodi Market Men & Women on the construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), in a group photograph with Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Council, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede (5th left), Iyaloja General, Oshodi, Alhaja Taiwo Arowojobe and other stakeholders during a meeting with Transport Union Leaders, Oshodi Market Men & Women on the construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left), with Iyaloja General, Oshodi, Alhaja Taiwo Arowojobe while Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (right, behind) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Prince Anofi Elegushi (2nd right, behind), watch during a meeting with Transport Union Leaders, Oshodi Market Men & Women on the construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja

The Architectural design of the construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange.

May 24, 2016
BREAKING: Riot at Ikeja-along

There is an ongoing riot at Ikeja-along area of Lagos Abeokuta expressway at about 2:45pm on Friday.

However, unconfirmed reports have it that the clash is between members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Meanwhile, as at press time, there is currently heavy presence of men of the Nigerian Air Force at the scene.

Details later…

March 11, 2016