The southwest zone of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has publicly distanced itself from national president Alhaji Musa Mohammed (Maitakobi), accusing him of unilateral representation and mismanagement of federal government palliatives. Despite the internal dispute, the zone reaffirmed its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Press Briefing in Lagos
At a press briefing in Igando, Lagos state, on Wednesday, June 24, the southwest zonal chairman, Rev. (Barr.) Samuel Olugbenga Agbede, stated that Mohammed did not represent the collective position of the nationwide transport body during his recent visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima. The visit was part of a coalition of transport stakeholders operating under the platform “Transporters for Tinubu-Shettima 2027.”
Agbede emphasized that RTEAN has established structures and leadership organs through which decisions and official positions should be reached. “No individual, regardless of position, can unilaterally speak for the entire association without consultation with its recognised structures and leadership organs,” he said.
Support for Tinubu and Shettima
The southwest zone clarified that it had already publicly endorsed Tinubu and Shettima for a second term and had begun mobilisation efforts across the six states of the region. “This press conference is not directed against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, or any lawful political organisation. Our concern is simply that no individual should appropriate the collective mandate of the association,” Agbede clarified.
Allegations of Mismanagement
The southwest leadership accused Mohammed of failing to account for previous federal government interventions received on behalf of transport operators. Specific issues raised include alleged mishandling of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses meant for transport operators, questions over the management and distribution of federal government passenger transport palliatives reportedly worth close to N1 billion, and complaints about inadequate consultation with stakeholders on matters affecting the association.
“We have not been able to get an account of previous palliatives given by the federal government, both financially and in terms of motor vehicles,” Agbede said. “We did not want anyone to receive anything on our behalf without taking us into consideration.” He urged the federal government to ensure that future interventions for transport operators are implemented through transparent, inclusive, and verifiable processes.
Electric Tricycles Distribution
The association also referred to reports of a planned distribution of 10,000 electric tricycles, calling for the programme to be structured to ensure that benefits reach genuine transport operators and workers across the country. “This is another opportunity for the government to demonstrate fairness, accountability and inclusiveness in the implementation of empowerment interventions,” Agbede said.
Trade Dispute Before Labour Ministry
Asked whether the southwest zone is open to reconciliation with Mohammed, Agbede said efforts had been made to resolve the dispute. “I met him (Mohammed) on behalf of the zone to address the issue. He promised to resolve the matter, but never fulfilled that promise. Hence, we declared a trade dispute, and the matter is currently before the Ministry of Labour and Employment.” He added that the dispute stemmed from a loss of confidence in the current national leadership due to alleged lack of accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness.
Anambra Chapter Voices Concerns
Chris Ezebo, secretary of the Anambra state chapter of RTEAN, attributed the crisis within the association to what he described as the high-handedness of the national president. “What is actually happening in RTEAN is the high-handedness of our national president, and that is exactly what we want to correct so that we can have transparency and accountability in the union,” he said. Ezebo warned that unilateral decision-making could undermine unity: “When somebody takes decisions on his own without consultation, it brings the union down. We believe in consultation because that is how the union can move forward. Unilateral decision-making by one or two persons is going to create a lot of friction within the union.”
Broader Concerns Across Nigeria
Agbede noted that the concerns over Mohammed's actions are not limited to the southwest but are shared by members from other parts of the country. The southwest zone called on government institutions and public officials to engage only recognised and duly constituted structures of transport associations in matters affecting the sector. It also urged relevant authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in all government interventions targeted at transport operators.
RTEAN is one of Nigeria's largest transport associations, representing vehicle owners, transport operators, logistics workers, and other personnel in the road transport sector.
