By Babalola Seyi
The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) on Thursday inaugurated its multi-million naira National Secretariat in Abuja, after 43 years of existence.
The one-storey building secretariat containing several offices and conference hall is situated at Wuse Zone 5, in the nation’s capital.
The Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who inaugurated the edifice emphasised the importance of transport in economic growth and development of the country.
Gbajabiamila said: “We must not underplay importance of road transport union. The union contributes immensely to Nigeria’s economy. Your value to our economy is recognised by government at all levels.
“The government would continue to do what it can to help your industry thrive. We will also continue investing significantly in road transport which will expand your routes.
He urged the union not to stand still but be ready to adapt to the new reality of social and economic changes so as to thrive in whatever circumstances.
Gbajabiamila commended the RTEAN National President, Alhaji Musa Muhammed for mobilising people and resources for the project.
Gbajabiamila, who commended RTEAN leadership for the feat, expressed the lawmakers’ readiness to working with the union to achieve national development goals.
In his address, the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha, commended the proactiveness of the union with the government to improve on the transportation sector, in ameliorating the transportation problems in Nigeria.
Mustapha, who was represented by Dr Habiba Lawal, the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office (EPO), said that RTEAN is a union backed by law and committed to the transformation and reformation of the transportation sector of Nigeria economy.
“It is therefore a matter of necessity for RTEAN to continue to transform the sector in line with the best global practice.
“RTEAN, however, is to champion the reformation of the transportation sector and ensure the actualisation of the government policies, anchored on integrated and technologically driven transport system that guarantees efficient, comfortable and seamless service delivery that are aimed at socio-economic development of Nigeria and employment generation for the youths.
“RTEAN is to ensure professionalism in drivers and safety standards that will make our roads accident free, stimulating all stakeholders in the transportation sector for the enhancement of the Nigeria’s economy and empowerment of members as well as ensure peace and trust between member and commuters.”
The Minsiter of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, commended the transport union for setting up a women wing to ensure gender parity, saying “this is great and highly commendable and in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda”.
Tallen said that there was hope for Nigeria and the country would be better when women were carried along.
Dr Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Productivity represented by Registrar of Trade Union (RTU), Amos Falonipe said that the RTEAN House would help the union in discharging its role to nation, in providing quality and affordable transport system.
Ngige urged the union to continue to support the FG in efforts to better the economy through transport infrastructure renewal.
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi sad that the commission’s partnership with RTEAN was to ensure safer road in the country.
According to him, the RTEAN HOUSE shows the unity, understanding and progressive mindedness of people now directing the affairs of the union.
Oyeyemi, who said that the union had been supportive, said that the Corps would support the union the more in training of drivers to reduce unnecessary loss of lives.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi commended the leadership of RTEAN for reformation and organisation of transport union to give it a new outlook and change the perception of people about transport operators.
“I am very happy that the road administration in this country can be this organised. We want to thank the leadership of RTEAN. With what you are doing, there is a big hope for our dear country.
“A lot of people look down on transport union, but now you are redefining it. Keep up the good work,” Ogunwusi said.
The National President of TUC, Quadri Olaleye, described the RTEAN President as an apostle of peace, saying that every economy required infrastructure that would add to quality of lives.
Earlier, the RTEAN President, who commended all stakeholders for the accolades, said that the Oct. 13, 2020 Industrial Court judgement in Abuja, which favoured him, liberated the union.
Mohammed said that the judgement was the the foundation of the union’s reformation and achievements, saying the judgement demonstrated that the judiciary is the hope of ordinary citizens.
“It is our aim to reposition the road transport sector to support our commitment in reforming the public transport management to support policies of the government and the daily needs of Nigerians with their connectivity and mobility.
He called on relevant agencies of government to see to the establishment of Transport Development Bank in the country, saying transport connected all sectors of the economy.
Muhammed expressed commitment of the union to do its best in reforming road transport in the country, calling for the support of all stakeholders.
The event was graced by several dignataries, politicians, traditional leaders, leaders of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) among others.