NURTW leader alleges NLC’s role in union crisis
By Kunle Sanni
A former two-term National Treasurer of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Nosiru Komolafe, has accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of fueling the ongoing crisis within the union, particularly in the Southwest.
Speaking at a press conference, Komolafe traced the crisis to the union’s adoption of a rotational presidency under the leadership of Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin.
The arrangement was designed to ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and began with Tajudeen Baruwa from the Southwest, despite strong opposition from the Ogun State council, Baruwa’s home state.
Komolafe noted that when Baruwa assumed office as NURTW President in 2019, the union initially operated seamlessly across all Southwest states.
However, he alleged that Baruwa’s “uncompromising attitude” led to clashes with various state governments, resulting in the proscription of the union in nearly all Southwest states.
“As Baruwa sought re-election, there was no functional NURTW structure in the Southwest to endorse his candidacy,” Komolafe stated.
He also claimed that aggrieved members from Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun states had filed numerous petitions with the NLC, outlining allegations of misconduct against Baruwa. However, the NLC allegedly ignored these complaints, allowing the crisis to worsen.
Komolafe accused the NLC of abandoning its impartial role by siding with Baruwa against the majority of union members. He expressed disappointment, contrasting the current leadership’s approach with past NLC leaders such as Abdulwahid Omar and Adams Oshiomhole, who, according to him, intervened in union disputes without aligning with any faction.
“The NLC, which is supposed to be an unbiased umpire, decided to take sides. This is contrary to the practices of past NLC leaders. Joe Ajaero seems determined to install Baruwa at all costs, driven by selfish and sinister motives,” Komolafe alleged.
He argued that if the NLC leadership had acted as a neutral mediator, the crisis could have been resolved early. Instead, the labor congress’s partiality exacerbated the division within the NURTW.
Komolafe added that union members in the Southwest could no longer endure “another four years of suffering and stagnation under Baruwa.”
He further announced their decision to endorse Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya as their candidate for the NURTW presidency, stating that this was necessary to restore progress and stability to the union.
