NLC Moves To End NURTW Crisis As MC Oluomo, Baruwa Agree To Peace Talks

The prolonged leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) appears to be moving toward a resolution after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) successfully initiated reconciliation talks between the union’s rival leaders, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and Tajudeen Baruwa.

The breakthrough came during a peace and reconciliation meeting convened by the NLC in Abuja, where representatives of both factions reportedly agreed to embrace dialogue as the best path to resolving the four-year dispute that has divided the union.

Sources familiar with the discussions described the meeting as the most significant progress made since the leadership tussle began, noting that both camps expressed a willingness to work together toward restoring unity and stability within the transport workers’ union.

According to those present at the meeting, MC Oluomo and Baruwa committed to maintaining continuous engagement to address all unresolved issues and bring the lingering conflict to a peaceful conclusion.

A source quoted after the meeting said the discussions were open, constructive and encouraging, adding that both sides had shown a genuine commitment to reconciliation.

“There is now a shared commitment to dialogue. Both parties have agreed that the reconciliation process should continue without conditions, and there is optimism that this marks the beginning of a new chapter for the union,” the source said.

The NLC is expected to organise additional meetings with both factions in the coming weeks to sustain the reconciliation process and strengthen unity within the union.

The labour centre has consistently intervened in the dispute over the years in an effort to end the divisions that have weakened the NURTW and affected its operations nationwide.

The latest peace initiative is expected to ease tensions among members and create a framework for a mutually acceptable settlement of the leadership crisis.

The dispute dates back to 2022, when Tajudeen Baruwa emerged as National President during the NURTW National Delegates’ Conference.

However, MC Oluomo’s faction rejected the outcome of the election, leading to the emergence of parallel leadership structures and a prolonged legal battle over the control of the union.