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Safety: Government charges RTEAN on professional standards to curb road accidents

Accident Scene on Abuja Airport Road

*The Federal Government restates the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria should champion reforms in the transportation sector and ensure actualisation of government’s policies anchored on integrated and technology-driven transport system for consumers

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

As part of measures to make Nigerian roads accident-free, while stimulating stakeholders to add value to the country’s economy, the Federal Government has tasked the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) members to adhere to professionalism and safety standards.

ConsumerConnect gathered Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), gave this charge at the inauguration of the RTEAN House Thursday, January 20, 2022, in Abuja, FCT.

Mustapha, represented on the occasion by Dr. Habiba Lawal, Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office (EPO), applauded the proactiveness of the transporters’ union in its effort at ameliorating the transportation problems in the country, agency report noted.

The SGF reminded the stakeholders that RTEAN as a union is backed by law and committed to the transformation and reformation of the transportation sector of the Nigerian economy.

He stated: “RTEAN is to champion the reformation of the transportation sector and ensure the actualisation of the government policies, anchored on integrated and technically driven  transport system.

“This guarantees efficient, comfortable and seamless service delivery that are aimed at socio-economic development of Nigeria and employment generation for the youths.”

Mustapha further said: “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.”

In the same vein, Rt. Hon. Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who inaugurated the new RTEAN edifice, also emphasised the importance of transportation in economic growth and development of the country.

The Speaker said: “We must not underplay importance of road transport union.

“The union contributes immensely to Nigeria’s economy. I can assure you that your value to our economy is recognised by government at all levels.

“Government will 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.”

Gbajabiamila charged them to not relent, and be ready to adapt to the new reality of social and economic changes in the economy, to thrive in whatever circumstances.

He commended RTEAN leadership for the feat, and expressed the Federal lawmakers’ readiness to work with the union in order to achieve national development goals.

Mrs. Pauline Tallen, Honourable Minister of State for Women Affairs, extolled the transport union for setting up women’s wing, towards ensuring gender balancing.

The Minister stated there is hope for Nigeria, and the West African country would be better when women were carried along.

In his remark at the event, Sen. (Dr.) Chris Ngige, Honourable Minister for Labour and Employment, represented by Mr. Amos Falonipe, Registrar of Trade Union (RTU), said the RTEAN House would help the labour union in discharging its roles and objectives to the country.

Sen. Ngige urged the union to continue to support the Federal Government, in efforts to better the nation’s economy through transport infrastructure renewal.

Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as well said the regulatory Corps’ partnership with RTEAN was to ensure safer roads in the country.

The RTEAN House, Oyeyemi noted, showed the unity, understanding of the progress-minded people now directing the affairs of the union.

HRM. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, also lauded the leadership of RTEAN for the reformation and organisation of transport union in giving it a new outlook.

The Royal Frather commended the union for changing the perception of people about transport operators in Nigeria.

Oba Ogunwusi said: “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 unions, but now you are redefining it. Keep up the good work.”

Earlier, Alhaji Musa Maitakobi, RTEAN President, had commended all stakeholders for the accolades, and stated that the October 13, 2020, Industrial Court judgement in Abuja, favoured him and liberated the transporters’ union.

Alhaji Maitakobi said the judgement was the foundation of the union’s reformation and achievements.

The judgement demonstrated that the Judiciary was the hope of ordinary citizens, he noted.

The President of RTEAN stated: “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.”

Maitakobi urged relevant agencies of government to see to the establishment of Transport Development Bank in the country.

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