The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s chaotic yet vital transport sector. But in recent years, it’s been less about navigating the pothole-ridden roads and more about steering through internal storms and systemic challenges.
Today, RTEAN is emerging with a new face—one that’s striving for unity, modernization, and relevance in a rapidly changing Nigeria. Buckle up, because this journey of reform is worth a closer look.
Let’s start with the drama that nearly derailed RTEAN. In 2023, Lagos, the heartbeat of Nigeria’s transport hustle, became a battleground for factional wars within the association.
Leadership tussles, particularly involving heavyweights like Musa Muhammed and Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo), turned motor parks into arenas of conflict.
The Lagos State government, fed up with the chaos, slapped a ban on RTEAN activities. It was a low point, but it sparked a reckoning.
Under the national leadership of Musa Maitakama, RTEAN began stitching itself back together. By October 2023, the ban was lifted, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, and a new Lagos chairman, Comrade Adesina Hussaini (Okanlomo), was appointed. This wasn’t just a leadership swap—it was a signal that RTEAN was ready to move beyond its turbulent past.
Reform isn’t just about burying hatchets; it’s about building bridges. RTEAN has cozied up to the government in ways that could reshape the transport landscape.
In 2024, the association inked an MoU with the Federal Ministry of Transportation to streamline data collection for transport operators. Picture this: a national database that actually knows who’s driving what, where, and how. It’s a small but seismic step toward formalizing a sector that’s often been a free-for-all.
In Lagos, designated parks in places like Ojo and Badagry are helping RTEAN carve out its space, reducing clashes with rivals like the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). It’s not perfect—turf wars still simmer—but it’s progress.
Then there’s the tech angle. RTEAN is dipping its toes into the digital age, partnering with outfits like G-Pay Instant Solution to digitize revenue collection at motor parks.
No more cash-stuffed pockets or “lost” funds; this is about transparency and efficiency. Add to that the push for eco-friendly CNG buses, and RTEAN is aligning with Nigeria’s broader sustainability goals. These aren’t just shiny new toys—they’re lifelines for drivers grappling with skyrocketing fuel costs post-subsidy removal.
Speaking of drivers, RTEAN’s reforms are also about people. The association is advocating for better welfare—think loans, insurance, and training programs that teach drivers not just to navigate roads but to treat passengers like customers, not cargo. It’s a cultural shift, and it’s overdue. When the government rolled out palliatives like CNG buses to cushion economic blows, RTEAN was quick to applaud, showing it’s not just about demands but partnership.
But let’s not get too starry-eyed. RTEAN’s road to reform has its share of potholes. Factionalism still lurks, with disputes flaring in states like Ogun and Anambra.
Economic pressures continue to squeeze drivers, and the rivalry with NURTW is a simmering pot that could boil over. Yet, the association’s efforts to unify, modernize, and collaborate suggest a commitment to staying relevant.
As Nigeria’s transport sector evolves, RTEAN is trying to keep pace. It’s not just about moving passengers anymore—it’s about moving forward.
From resolving internal rifts to embracing tech and green energy, RTEAN’s new face is one of cautious optimism. Whether it can stay on this road without veering off remains to be seen, but for now, the wheels are turning. Keep an eye on Daily Buzzwire for the latest twists in this journey—because in Nigeria’s transport game, the only constant is change.
AMECHI. P writes from Lagos.
