Lagos state lifts suspension on RTEAN — 17 months after ban

The Lagos state government says it has lifted the ban on activities of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in the state.

Sola Giwa, special adviser to the governor on transportation, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, according to NAN.

In September 2022, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, ordered the suspension of the transport association, citing violence in parts of the state for the decision.

The state government constituted a 35-person ad hoc committee headed by Sulaiman Raji, to take over the affairs of the union.

On April 18, 2023, a national industrial court in Lagos ordered the reinstatement of the transport association.

The court ruled that the action of the Lagos government in suspending the union’s operations in the state and setting up a caretaker committee was illegal and against the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended.

On September 22, 2023, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) announced a one-day protest in Lagos over the ban on RTEAN.

However, on September 24, 2023, Lagos state government rejected the call for protest, saying it was needless.

The 16-month dispute between the state government and RTEAN was resolved on January 13, 2024.

Providing an update on Monday, Giwa said the suspension was in furtherance of the state’s quest to foster peace and smooth working relationships among union members in its transportation sector.

“Government took the decision after careful consideration and extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including members of the association, Trade Union Congress, (TUC) and the general public,” he said.

“Also, the Lagos State Parks and Garages Administrators’ Committee which was set up to manage parks and garage facilities in the state, has been dissolved with immediate effect.”

Giwa also said the decision was made in the best interest of promoting unity and peaceful co-existence, ensuring the smooth operation of transport services within the state.

He said it would help foster a more collaborative relationship between the government and the transport union, ultimately leading to improved services for the public.

The special adviser, therefore, urged all parties involved to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of the settlement reached for peaceful and sustainable operations in the transportation sector.

Giwa also implored them to cooperate and work together toward building a better transportation system to benefit all Lagos state residents.