The Oyo State Chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has inaugurated its newly elected chapel executives, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the state’s transport sector.
The swearing-in ceremony, held in Ibadan, the state capital, marked the 11th edition of such inaugurations and brought together key stakeholders in the labor and transport sectors.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Oyo State, Comrade Babatunde Balogun (popularly known as Liberty), and the National President of the Nigeria Automobile Technician Association (NATA), Comrade Dele Odewale.
In his welcome address, Oyo RTEAN Chairman, Ambassador Kolawole Yusuf, reaffirmed the association’s dedication to fostering economic and social cooperation among transport workers while ensuring passenger safety and welfare.
“The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria is a trade union recognized under the Trade Union Act. Our objectives include maintaining order at motor parks, eliminating touting, and collaborating with security agencies to curb criminal activities such as kidnapping,” he stated.
Yusuf charged the newly inaugurated executives with upholding the association’s constitution and adhering to Nigerian laws. Despite the Oyo State government’s introduction of the Park Management System (PMS), he reassured members that RTEAN remains active and committed to its responsibilities. He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for maintaining peace and security in motor parks and investing in modernizing transport infrastructure.
Speaking on policies affecting transport workers, Yusuf praised the Federal Government’s push for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) adoption, noting that many RTEAN members had already begun converting their vehicles to reduce operational costs.
“Our national body has introduced several incentives, including 10,000 electric tricycles for distribution at subsidized rates, electric motorcycles, and CNG-powered 18-seater buses. These initiatives aim to improve transportation and ease financial burdens on our members,” he explained.
He further emphasized the need for increased financial support for transport workers, revealing that RTEAN was in discussions with financial institutions to facilitate subsidized vehicle procurement schemes for its members.
TUC Secretary, Comrade Balogun, charged the newly inaugurated chapel executives with being responsible leaders, ensuring the security of their members and passengers, especially in light of the nation’s security challenges.
He also urged them to engage the government in ensuring that CNG policies are implemented in a way that benefits transport workers.
In his remarks, NATA President, Comrade Odewale, stressed the importance of RTEAN leaders and members understanding the organization’s history.
According to him, this knowledge would help them position themselves strategically to advocate for policies that strengthen the association.
In an interview with journalists, Amb. Yusuf outlined his priorities as RTEAN Chairman, emphasizing unity among members and improved welfare as key objectives. He pledged to work closely with law enforcement and the state government to foster an organized and peaceful transport system.
While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he reaffirmed RTEAN’s commitment to operating within the legal framework and advocating for the return of union-led transport management.
Providing historical context, Yusuf highlighted that RTEAN was founded in Ibadan in 1933, with notable figures such as Herbert Macaulay, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe playing significant roles in its formation.
Addressing the contentious issue of the Park Management System (PMS), Yusuf clarified that while PMS is a government initiative, it is not a recognized transport union. He acknowledged that some RTEAN members currently work under PMS but maintained that the association remains committed to engaging the government for a more structured transport system.
He expressed optimism that, similar to Osun State—where RTEAN and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have resumed control of transport operations—progress would be made in Oyo State.
Concluding his remarks, Yusuf urged all RTEAN members to remain united and steadfast in their commitment to the association’s goals. He also extended appreciation to the TUC, NATA, security agencies, and the media for their support in making the inauguration a success.
With the newly elected chapel executives now in place, RTEAN Oyo State remains focused on advocating for transport workers’ welfare and seeking a greater role in shaping the state’s transportation administration.
