The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NURTW

  • NURTW gifts N42m to 28 widows of members

    NURTW gifts N42m to 28 widows of members

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road and Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (aka Sego), has empowered 28 widows of NURTW members with N42 million

    Each of the widows got N1.5 million.

    The empowerment, which marked part of the activities commemorating his one year in office, was held at the NURTW Secretariat, Agege.

    Mustapha said the gesture wasn’t included in the union’s constitution; however, he deemed it fit to restore hope and support the widows of the union’s late members.

    He listed his achievements in office to include: payment of inherited N315 million debt, provision of a generator to augment power supply, award of scholarship to secondary school pupils, sponsorship of members to perform hajj, amongst others.

    Read Also: Shettima leads fed govt’s delegation to condole Shagari family

    Former National Vice President of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, while commending the initiative, said it was a step up from the usual support of members who had an accident with funds.

    NURTW Lagos State Secretary, Usman Teslim, said this was the second edition of the widows’ support scheme embarked upon by this administration.

    He added that Alhaji Adekunle has been supporting union and non-union members in his philanthropic drive.

    “This is the second edition we are doing now, and I think it’s very good, a very nice idea. Aside from this, he has been giving assistance to members without announcing them, even to those who are not even union members. He has been doing this for a long time, helping people and supporting humanity has been his way of life,” he said.

    Teslim also revealed that the union is planning to build three primary health centres across the three senatorial districts in Lagos to improve access to healthcare for residents.

    A beneficiary, Omolara Olanrewaju, appreciated the kind gesture and prayed for Adekunle’s progress.

    Another beneficiary, Adejoke Ayegbola, said the donation would go a long way in supporting her, as she has not been receiving support since she lost her husband earlier this year.

  • ‘Reasons NURTW crisis lingers’

    ‘Reasons NURTW crisis lingers’

    A chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Bashiru Ishola, has blamed the crisis rocking Oyo State council of the union on inexperience and confrontational attitude of the leadership.

    He was reacting to a statement credited to a former president of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, while speaking during a SPLASH FM radio programme.

    Ishola in a statement titled: ‘Setting the record straight’, said: “We are compelled to respond to the recent statements made by Alhaji Baruwa, former president NURTW, regarding the crisis in Oyo State Council of the union. In his interview on Splash FM, Ibadan, Alhaji Baruwa attempted to shift the blame for the union’s problems to his predecessor, Alhaji Najeem Yasin.

    “To set the records straight, when Alhaji Yasin completed his two terms in August 2019, all six state councils in the Southwest were intact and under the union’s control. In fact, the national headquarters had successfully held meetings with Oyo State Government in July 2019,0 resulting in an agreement to form an executive committee with equal representation. The NURTW was intact and operating in the state.

    “Alhaji Yasin left office in August 2019, but  shortly after Alhaji Baruwa took over, problems began to arise due to his inexperience in administration.

    Read Also: Falana faults Oyo Govt’s alleged disobedience to Court judgement on NURTW proscription

    He had confrontations with the state government and by October 2019, Oyo State governor suspended the union in the state. In its place, Parks Management System (PMS) was inaugurated. This move was later emulated by other states in the Southwest region, leading to the proscription of NURTW in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Ondo states.

    ‘’It should be noted that under the current national leadership, most of these states have since returned to the NURTW fold. Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti state councils are now back under the union’s umbrella, a testament to the effective leadership of our union. This scenario will tell you that Baruwa was the problem. Because less than a year after he left office, the new management under Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, all the state councils, except Oyo State, are now back in the union.”

    On allegations that Alhaji Yasin brought thugs from Lagos to Abuja to sack him, he said: ‘’We must correct the narrative. The truth is that aggrieved members of the union in the Southwest, dissatisfied with Alhaji Baruwa’s leadership, approached the National Industrial Court in Lagos. And in the course of hearing the matter, the presiding judge gave order that all the parties in the matter should maintain status quo. But despite the court order to maintain status quo pending the determination of the case, Alhaji Baruwa and his cohorts disobeyed the order and organised a kangaroo delegates’ conference in Lafia, Nasarawa State. He disobeyed the court order.”

    Alhaji Ishola said the matter relating to the leadership crisis in the union was still pending at the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division.  “The matter was supposed to come up last month, but the presiding judge adjourned to January 28, 2026. We find it unfortunate that Alhaji Baruwa continues to mislead the public and feed them with lies,” he said.

    He called on Alhaji Baruwa to desist from issuing misleading statements that could further inflame tension and instead allow the courts to determine the matters before them.

  • Ban on NURTW, RTEAN: 10 illegal revenue collectors arrested in Edo

    Ban on NURTW, RTEAN: 10 illegal revenue collectors arrested in Edo

    • Commercial drivers hail Okpebholo

    Edo State Government has announced the arrest of 10 persons, who were illegally extorting money from commercial drivers and traders.

    It said those arrested refused to adhere to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ban on unauthorised revenue collection.

    Governor Okpebholo had banned the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, Drivers on Wheel and Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd from collecting revenue.

    He said the affected unions resorted to extortion, harassment and intimidation, thereby violating the conditions under which they were permitted to collaborate with Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).

    Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said Governor Okpebholo remained committed to sanitising the revenue system as well as protecting Edo people from oppression and economic exploitation.

    He said the governor responded immediately he received negative reports about activities of the unions.

    The SSG said the illegal revenue collectors were arrested at Oka Market at Upper Sakponba, Sapele Road, Ring Road, Airport Road and Oba Market.

    According to him, “the only agency now authorised to collect government revenue is the EIRS, working in coordination with local government authorities and designated agents, using Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals. No cash is to be collected under any circumstance.

    “This administration will not tolerate oppression or exploitation of our people. We urge citizens, especially market women, drivers and traders to report any unauthorised revenue collection through the designated helpline. The governor means well for the people and wants a fair and just system.

    Read Also: Customs to commence implementation of AEO in January 2026

    “Suspects will be handed over to the Commissioner of Police for immediate prosecution. This is only the beginning. The operation will continue until all violators are flushed out and the revenue system is fully sanitised.”

    Commercial drivers in Benin City yesterday hailed Governor Okpebholo for banning unions from collecting revenues.

    The drivers, who recalled how they were harassed, extorted and brutalised by union members, said they paid as much as N13,000 daily, against the N800 approved by the state government.

    At motor parks visited, the drivers were seen in a joyous mood.

    Drivers that ply Sokponba Road said they paid N3,000 daily at the park, while those who opted for ‘priority’ paid N10,000.

    They said the unions collected another N6,000 to allow them pick passengers around Oba Ovoranmen Square, a place where drivers were barred from picking passengers.

    A driver, who gave his name as Olotu, said they were also made to part with feeding money for the executives of the unions.

    “If you do not pay, they will beat you and stop you from working. Even if we buy government ticket of N800, they will collect more money that will be as much as N13,000.”

  • Commercial drivers celebrate ban on NURTW, RTEAN in Edo

    Commercial drivers celebrate ban on NURTW, RTEAN in Edo

    Commercial drivers in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday, celebrated Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ban on activities of drivers’ unions in the state.

    The commercial drivers, who recalled how they were harassed, extorted and brutalised by the various union members, said they used to pay as much as N13,000 daily against N800 approved by the state government.

    At various motor parks visited on Wednesday morning, the drivers were seen in a jubilant mood.

    Drivers, who ply Sokponba road said they pay N3000 daily at the park, while those who opted for ‘priority’ pay N10,000.

    They said the unions collect another N6000 to allow them to pick passengers around the Oba Ovoranmen Square, a place where drivers are barred from picking passengers.

    Read Also: Jigawa govt donates 36 vehicles to NURTW

    A driver, who gave his name as Olotu, said they were also made to part with various feeding money for the various executives of the unions.

    “If you do not pay, they will beat you and stop you from working. Even if we buy a government ticket of N800, they will collect more money that will be as much as N13,000”.

    Governor Okpebholo had suspended banned activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheels from collecting any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in the State.

    He also suspended the Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd from enforcing compliance with the payment of taxes and levies in the state.

    It was, however, gathered that Governor Okpebholo took the action after he was properly briefed that the activities of the unions affected the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.

  • Okpebholo bans NURTW, RTEAN, others

    Okpebholo bans NURTW, RTEAN, others

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has banned activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), ANNEWAT, and Drivers on Wheel in the state.

    Okpebholo banned the unions from collecting any form of dues, levies, taxes, or charges from motorists, drivers, traders, or any member of the public in the State.

    The Edo Governor also banned the Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd, a private firm owned by the All Progressives Congress State Youth Chairman, Tony Kabaka, engaged to enforce compliance of payment of taxes and levies.

    A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said Governor Okpebholo banned the unions and consultant receiving reports of  resurgence of illegal revenue collection by certain unions and organizations under various guises across the state.

    The statement said the unions were given limited authorisation to collaborate with the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) under clearly defined terms but ‘have grossly violated the conditions of their engagement and resorted to cash collections, extortions, social harassment and intimidation.’

    According to the statement: “Credible reports reaching the people-loving Governor, indicate that the firm and its workers have become complicit in widespread extortion and abuse of mandate, thereby betraying the trust reposed in them by the State.

    “The Government considers these actions as acts of economic sabotage, social oppression, and a direct affront to law and order. The era of using unions as fronts to harass, intimidate, or extort drivers and road users in the name of revenue collection is over.

    “All activities of the aforementioned unions are suspended indefinitely.

    “No individual or group under any of these unions is permitted to collect any form of payment from motorists or road users.

    “All motorists, drivers, and road users are strongly advised not to pay any cash or comply with any form of illegal levy imposed by these banned entities.

    “Reports of any such illegal activity should be forwarded immediately to the Edo State Special Taskforce, coordinated by SP Michael Anetor via 08038157126.

    “The Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies have been duly notified and directed to arrest and prosecute any individual or group found violating this directive.

    “Edo State Government, under the leadership of the people-loving Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, remains committed to sanitizing the revenue system and protecting its citizens from unlawful exploitation. Let this serve as a final warning to all parties engaged in or considering such illegal activities: the full weight of the law will be brought upon you.”

  • Jigawa donates 36 vehicles to NURTW

    Jigawa donates 36 vehicles to NURTW

    In a landmark gesture aimed at strengthening the transport sector, the Jigawa State Government has donated 36 vehicles to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Jigawa State Council. 

    The official handover took place at the Dutse Sports Complex, drawing attendance from top government officials, union leaders, and transporting workers from across the state.

    NURTW Deputy National President, Alhaji Aliyu Isa Ore, led a high-powered delegation from the union’s national headquarters to the state. 

    Others in attendance included Vice President Alhaji Aliyu Tanimu Zaria and the Special Adviser to the NURTW President on Intergovernmental and International Relations, Alhaji Sulaiman Danzaki.

    Governor Umar Namadi, who presided over the ceremony, stated that the donation was part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to supporting key stakeholders in the state’s development. 

    Read Also: Don’t blame Tinubu for north’s woes, Shehu Sani tells critics

    He emphasized that the transport sector plays a vital role in the movement of people, goods, and services, and deserves both infrastructural and institutional support.

    He added that the donation includes a mix of 18-seater buses, utility vans, and official cars meant to enhance the operational effectiveness of the NURTW across the state’s 27 local government areas. 

     Namadi urged the union to ensure the vehicles are well-maintained and used efficiently to serve both the union and the people of Jigawa State.

    Ore conveyed heartfelt appreciation from the National President of the NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo), to Governor Namadi.

    He described the donation as a rare gesture that demonstrates true leadership and empathy for the working class. 

    According to him:  “Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya sends his deepest gratitude to Your Excellency for this monumental support. It is not every day we see a governor go to this length to empower transport workers.”

    Ore further noted that the donated vehicles would go a long way in improving the efficiency of NURTW operations in Jigawa State and help in coordinating the activities of its members at various motor parks. 

    He commended the Governor for recognising the crucial role of road transport workers in driving economic activity across rural and urban areas.

  • NURTW officials arrested for transporting consignment for terrorists

    NURTW officials arrested for transporting consignment for terrorists

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested two officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Borno State over alleged involvement in suspicious activities linked to terrorism.

    The suspects, identified as Isah Abdullahi and Abdullahi Mohammed, were apprehended in Liya, Biu Local Government Area, while receiving a waybill from a truck driver, an action that aligned with earlier intelligence reports.

    Meanwhile, troops of Operation Udo Ka in the southeast also arrested a tax collector for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Anambra State. A sum of N1.5 million was recovered during the operation.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, disclosed these developments at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

    “The items include 13 pairs of military uniforms and some high-voltage batteries, among others.

    “Troops also arrested another terrorist’s logistics supplier, Shaibu Bulama, at Damasak Motor Park in Yobe State, 11 collaborators, and rescued seven kidnap victims across other theaters in the Northeast.”

    Read Also: NURTW President hails Abia govt for reinstating union activities

    According to Kangye, troops recovered some quantities of arms and ammunition, and safely detonated some Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

    He said, “As a result of sustained military operations in the North East theatre, 16 family members of terrorists, including 4 adult females and 12 children, surrendered to troops in Bama LGA on 14 July 2025. Preliminary investigations indicate that the group surrendered from Bakura Jega village.”

    In the South East, Kangye said troops on July 10, 2025, arrested a POB/ESN terrorists’ collaborator who was commissioned by the terrorists to collect taxes from the locals on their behalf in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.

    “The troops recovered the sum of N1,500,000.00 from the suspect,” he said.

  • Lagos bus drivers threaten strike over NURTW rates

    Lagos bus drivers threaten strike over NURTW rates

    Drivers of Urban Mass buses under the umbrella of Agbarijopo Eko Drivers Association have threatened to go on strike from next Monday.

    This follows what they have termed irrational increase in rates by officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), which has seen them working without making any profit.

    According to the Chairman of the group, Comrade Mudashiru Opeyemi Sulaiman, the incessant increase in rates has become unbearable and threatening their livelihood, hence the notice of strike to the Lagos State Government.

    Read Also: Police arrest cook over alleged $35,000 theft, rescue kidnapped woman

    “We work from dawn to late in the night but all we do is pay rates and dues to the NURTW. The alternative as we see it is to increase transport fare for passengers once again and that may see trips of N800/1000 going up as far as N1,500. This we don’t want to do and that is why we are crying out,” he said.

    Brandishing a copy of the agreement reached between the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (NURTW LSC) and member drivers of coaster/Urban mass bus drivers reached in 2014, Sulaiman said booking fee which was N200 for buses plying the Oko-Afo to CMS route is N1000, and the NURTW is now threatening to increase it to N1,500. In addition, he said for every bus that passes through Mile 2, they must pay N500 – whether they pick up a passenger or not; up from N100.

  • Ignore Baruwa’s agitation for reinstatement, NURTW members tell Tinubu

    Ignore Baruwa’s agitation for reinstatement, NURTW members tell Tinubu

    The Concerned Commercial Drivers, a group of commercial drivers within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has expressed disappointment about the actions of Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, former president of the union, by trying to impose himself on the union.

    Baruwa had at a news conference called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the union crisis and ensure his reinstatement.

    However, the Concerned Commercial Drivers led by Alhaji Fatai Aro and Comrade John Udie, chairman and secretary, disagreed with Baruwa’s stance, viewing it as a selfish and misguided attempt to regain power through the back door after being rejected by members of the union.

    Read Also: NURTW to transporters: get insured

    It called on President Tinubu to ignore his agitation for reinstatement.

    The body said: “We are shocked and dismayed by Alhaji Baruwa’s continued agitation for the president of NURTW. His actions demonstrate he is pursuing the position for his personal gain, rather than the benefit of the union and its members.”

    It said during Baruwa’s tenure as president, NURTW lost control of the six state councils in the Southwest due to lack of experience and arrogance. ‘’All the state councils were subsequently taken over by the state governments and their agents.

  • Governor abolishes park system 

    Governor abolishes park system 

    With the inauguration of Osun State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), by the National President, Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo, the state government yesterday abolished the Park System.

    Governor Ademola Adeleke in January 2023 disbanded NURTW and replaced it with Park Managers headed by Wakeel Nurudeen.

    Read Also: Navy arrests nine pipeline ‘vandals’, recovers 408 drums

    Commissioner for Transportation, Sesan Oyedele, said in a statement that the abolishment of Osun Transport Management System (OSTMS) was to ensure peace and unity.

    “The National President of NURTW, Comrade Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), has expressed his appreciation for Governor Adeleke’s efforts in improving road infrastructure, to drive economic growth.