The leadership crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) may soon be resolved after a major peace meeting organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja.
The meeting, led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, brought together the rival groups involved in the long-running dispute over the union’s leadership.
Sources at the meeting said both sides agreed to stop hostilities and continue discussions aimed at restoring peace and unity within the union. The NLC urged the factions to put the interests of the union above personal ambitions and work together to resolve their differences.
According to sources, the meeting recorded significant progress as both camps expressed their willingness to embrace dialogue and pursue a peaceful settlement of the dispute. They also agreed to attend future reconciliation meetings without setting any conditions and promised to respect decisions reached through the peace process.
Labour officials described the development as one of the biggest breakthroughs since the crisis began. They expressed hope that the renewed commitment to dialogue would help restore stability to the union.
A source familiar with the talks said the discussions were open and constructive, adding that both parties showed a genuine desire to find lasting solutions.
“There is now a shared commitment to dialogue. Both sides have agreed that the reconciliation process should continue without conditions, and there is optimism that this marks the beginning of a new chapter for the union,” the source said.
The NLC is expected to hold more meetings with the factions in the coming weeks to address outstanding issues and strengthen unity within the union.
Background
The NURTW leadership crisis started in 2022 following disagreements over the union’s national leadership.
The dispute intensified after Tajudeen Baruwa emerged as National President during the union’s national delegates conference. However, his leadership was challenged by another faction led by Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
The rival claims led to the creation of separate leadership structures and a series of court cases, causing division within the union and uncertainty over its leadership.
The NLC, which serves as the umbrella body for trade unions in Nigeria, has repeatedly called on both factions to settle their differences through dialogue.
In recent months, the labour body increased efforts to bring the rival groups together through a series of reconciliation meetings.
The latest meeting in Abuja is seen as the most important step so far, with both sides showing readiness to work towards a lasting resolution of the dispute.
