The prolonged leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) may be heading towards resolution following a major peace initiative led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The breakthrough came after an NLC-brokered reconciliation meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, chaired by NLC President Joe Ajaero.
Sources familiar with the closed-door meeting at the Labour House said rival factions within the union agreed to suspend hostilities and embrace dialogue as part of efforts to restore unity.
According to the sources, the NLC urged both sides to prioritise the interests of the union over personal and factional interests, stressing that genuine commitment to reconciliation was necessary to resolve the long-running dispute.
The meeting reportedly produced a significant step forward, with both camps assuring the NLC of their willingness to pursue peace, rebuild trust and participate in further reconciliation discussions without attaching conditions.
The parties were also said to have agreed to respect decisions reached through the dialogue process as efforts continue to address outstanding issues.
Labour officials described the development as one of the most significant breakthroughs since the crisis began, expressing optimism that the renewed commitment could lead to lasting stability within the union.
The NLC-led intervention is expected to be followed by further engagements aimed at strengthening the unity and institutional structure of the NURTW, one of Nigeria’s most influential trade unions.
The leadership dispute, which began in 2022, was triggered by disagreements over the union’s national leadership and administration.
The crisis intensified after Tajudeen Baruwa emerged as National President following the union’s national delegates’ conference, a move challenged by another faction led by Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.
The competing claims resulted in parallel leadership structures and prolonged legal battles, creating uncertainty within the union.
The NLC has since stepped in, repeatedly encouraging both factions to resolve their differences through dialogue.
Wednesday’s meeting represents the latest and most significant attempt to bring the opposing sides together and restore stability to the NURTW.
