Kwara Ministry Denies Preferential Treatment of Transport Unions

The Kwara State Ministry of Transportation has dismissed allegations by the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), accusing the Ministry of intimidation, bias and preferential treatment towards other transport unions in the state.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Ministry’s Press Secretary, Alabere Ahmed Babatunde, the allegations were described as unfounded and an attempt to question the integrity of the Ministry and the state government.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Korasabi, expressed concern over the reported action of some NARTO members who allegedly stormed the Ministry’s premises late on Monday.

Korasabi reaffirmed the Ministry’s non-partisan stance towards all transport unions operating in Kwara State, stressing that its dealings with stakeholders are guided by mutual respect, peaceful engagement, law and order.

The Commissioner said the Ministry does not have any special arrangement or preferential treatment for any transport union, adding that its responsibility is to coordinate activities within the transport sector in a lawful and equitable manner.

He explained that the disagreement between NARTO and three other transport unions — the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Tricycle Owners and Operators Association (TOAN) — had been addressed on several occasions in the presence of relevant stakeholders and government officials.

According to him, efforts to resolve the matter amicably have yet to produce the desired outcome, leading NARTO to seek legal redress.

The Commissioner disclosed that the case is still before the court, with the parties directed to maintain the status quo pending a final judgment.

The Ministry also clarified that the impounding of some tricycles earlier in the day was not carried out on its orders. It said the development followed actions by other parties in the suit after what it described as an initial disregard for the subsisting court injunction.

It added that the intervention of the state police helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order, while the affected tricycles were taken into custody to prevent possible loss, damage or theft pending further resolution of the matter.

The Ministry urged members of the public to disregard the allegations against it, describing them as misleading and unsubstantiated.

It further warned that demonstrations at government premises, especially while a matter is pending before the court, do not promote respect for constituted authority or the rule of law.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, equitable service delivery and peaceful engagement with all transport unions and stakeholders, in line with the transportation agenda of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration.

Source: Kwara State Ministry of Communication