The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Lagos State has welcomed a new leadership, marking the resolution of a crisis that led to the state government’s ban on the transport union.
Mr Adeshina Teslim (Okolomo) has been appointed as the new chairman of RTEAN in Lagos State, effective from January 1. This decision, supported by both federal and state governments, aims to bring about peace and cooperation within the union.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, expressed this development in a letter to the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The letter emphasized the return of RTEAN’s office and properties previously taken away, with operations in motor parks across Lagos State resuming immediately.
Importantly, the letter ensures that no RTEAN members will face victimization from the union or the Lagos State government due to their involvement in the dispute. The peaceful resolution is to be communicated to the Lagos State government, its agencies, and the general public.
According to the letter, “the Lagos State office of the RTEAN and all property hitherto taken away are hereby returned to the union.”
It stated that the operation of RTEAN in all motor parks in Lagos State is to resume with immediate effect.
“No members of RTEAN will be victimised by the union or Lagos State government for their role in the dispute. Lagos State government, its agencies and the general public are to be intimated about the peaceful resolution.
“On this premise, you are humbly requested to intimate the union on the amicable resolution of the dispute and the highlights of the agreements reached,” the NSA’s letter said.
This resolution aligns with the provisions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding dated October 2, 2023, between the Federal Government and Organised Labour, highlighting the commitment of the present administration to promoting industrial harmony and upholding the rule of law.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Mr Adeshina Teslim extended thanks to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Federal Government, particularly the National Security Adviser, for successfully addressing the issues within Lagos State RTEAN and the TUC. He also commended RTEAN president Alhaji Musa Muhammad Metakobi for preventing violence in Lagos State.