Tricycle Arm Of NURTW Begins Quarterly Safety Inspection, Backs Tinubu’s Re-election
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Tricycle arm of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State has commenced a quarterly statewide inspection of motorcycles, tricycles, minibuses and transport parks as part of efforts to improve road safety, enhance operational standards and promote compliance with traffic regulations.
The exercise, which will be conducted four times annually, was announced by a Lagos State officer of the union representing motorcycle, tricycle and minibus operators, Alhaji Azeez Abiola, popularly known as Istijaba.
Abiola said the initiative was approved by the Lagos State Chairman of the union, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, alias Sego and would cover transport parks across the state.
According to him, union officials will inspect the condition of motorcycles, tricycles and minibuses, assess the activities of operators and submit reports to the state leadership for necessary action.
He explained that the union has a responsibility to ensure that its members operate roadworthy vehicles and comply with established operational standards.
“As transport operators, we represent not only our drivers but also the millions of passengers they carry every day. Regular inspections will help us identify safety challenges early and improve service delivery across the transport sector,” he said.
Abiola noted that the inspection programme was introduced to strengthen safety awareness and encourage transport operators to maintain their vehicles in good condition.
He urged members to obey the Lagos State Traffic Law, cooperate with traffic management agencies and strictly comply with all traffic regulations.
According to him, while government enforcement agencies have statutory responsibilities, transport unions also have an important role in promoting compliance and maintaining safety standards among their members.
The union official spoke during a road safety rally organised to sensitise transport operators on safe driving practices, appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s interventions in the transport sector and mobilise support for his re-election.
He said road safety remained the union’s foremost priority because of its responsibility to both transport operators and the millions of passengers who depend on public transportation daily.
“We believe that safer vehicles and better-informed drivers will reduce accidents on our roads,” he stated.
Abiola also commended President Tinubu for reforms in the transport sector, particularly the introduction and promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel.
According to him, the CNG initiative has significantly reduced operating costs for commercial transport operators while improving the sustainability of public transportation.
“Previous administrations attempted to address the fuel challenge without lasting success. President Tinubu not only removed the fuel subsidy but also provided an alternative through the CNG initiative. Today, many of our buses and tricycles have been converted to CNG, significantly reducing operating costs,” he said.
As part of the rally, the union distributed vehicle maintenance materials, including tyres, side mirrors, windscreen wipers, engine oil and brake fluid, to drivers to encourage regular vehicle maintenance and improve roadworthiness.
Abiola described the items as essential safety components, warning that neglecting routine maintenance, particularly checking brake fluid, could result in brake failure and fatal road crashes.
“By supporting our members with these materials, we are contributing to safer roads for everyone,” he added.
He also praised the Lagos State Government for its continued investment in transportation infrastructure, especially rail projects and other mobility initiatives, which he said have improved the state’s transport system.
Abiola called on transport operators to continue supporting government programmes and work collectively to sustain peace, order and safety within the state’s transport sector.
He further declared the union’s support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid, expressing confidence that the administration’s ongoing reforms should be allowed to continue in the interest of the nation’s transport industry and economic development.
