Photo Caption
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Oluwatoyin Fayinka (Middle), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Kamar Owodiran Olowoshago, Asst. Director, Transport Operations, Mr. Tijani Tiamiyu, Chairman, NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, Vice Chairman, RTEAN, Mr. Taiwo Ogudu and Members of NURTW and RTEAN at the Peaceful Resolution Meeting Between NURTW and RTEAN on Monday, 15th February 2021 at Radisson Blue Hotel, Ikeja
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) have both settled peacefully today over park operations at a meeting which lasted for over Four hours at Radisson Blue Hotel, Ikeja.
The Meeting which was presided over by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Oluwatoyin Fayinka had in attendance the two Unions representatives led by their Chairmen, NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, (MC Oluomo) and the Vice Chairman RTEAN, Chief Gbenga Elesho.
In his opening remarks, the Special Adviser stated that the meeting was called consequent upon the recent clash between both parties at Obalende Lagos, on Thursday 11th February, 2021, a development which has not happened for a long time that both parties had cohabited peacefully, hence the need for the immediate resolution to forestall a reoccurrence.
Responding to the issue that degenerated into the clash, the State Treasurer for NURTW, Mr. Mustapha Adekunle, (Sego) stated that the disagreement was on the control of park unit of which both parties had agreed on its operation. He further explained that the agreement which has to do with operation of tricycles in one of the Units under the control of RTEAN was denied access by NURTW for their minibuses operation.
Confirming the Treasurer’s position on the issue, the State Chairman, NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, (MC Oluomo), added that the boundary operations crisis that ensued between the Unions could have been averted just as so many others that could have degenerated into crisis have been amicably settled in the past for peace to reign supreme, through Stakeholders’ meeting involving his members and RTEAN. He reiterated the peaceful coexistence between both parties, calling for peaceful resolution.
On the part of RTEAN, the State Secretary, Mr. Amusan Olalekan, also mentioned that the clash was avoidable going by the agreement of both Unions to maintain the peace which has existed for long, adding that the crisis could have been avoided if Union Leaders of both parties had taken proactive measures at resolving issues immediately they ensued. He wondered the reason for the crisis having operated together at Obalende for so long without rancor and fights.
Still on RTEAN’s point of view, the Vice Chairman, Chief Gbenga Elesho mentioned that some other parks which were initially under the control of his union had been taken over by NURTW part of which cumulated into the clash.
Addressing the two parties on the need for amicable settlement, the Special Adviser urged both parties to meet in the middle for peace to reign. Going forward, he also requested for suggestions from both parties that will enhance the peaceful resolution.
At the end of the lengthened deliberation, both parties agreed that pending the return of Tricycle operation by NURTW at Obalende, RTEAN will continue with the operation of their Minibuses, with welfare fees paid to NURTW. This peaceful agreement will be signed by both parties at the Ministry of Transportation tomorrow Thursday, 16th February, 2021.
Also present at the Meeting are; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Kamar Olowoshogo, Director, Transport Operations, Engr. Abdulafiz Toriola, other Management of Ministry of Transportation, Members of NURTW and RTEAN.
