A Breath of Fresh Air: Why CIoTA’s Handshake with NURTW Could Reshape Nigeria’s Road Transport Sector – Olusemire Jegede

In a country where policy is often developed in air-conditioned offices while implementation wrestles with the chaos of the streets, few things are as timely or important as a genuine effort at bridge-building. Last week in Abuja, one such effort quietly took place. It may not have come with fanfare or drama, but its implications could shape the future of Nigeria’s transport sector in meaningful ways.

The Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIoTA), led by its National President, Prince Segun Ochuko Obayendo, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). On the surface, it may have appeared to be a routine courtesy call. But in reality, it signalled a major shift in how Nigeria might finally begin to consolidate structure and professionalism in a sector long driven by informal practices.

For many years, the informal side of Nigeria’s road transport sector has largely dictated the pace. The NURTW, which is Africa’s largest transport workforce and ranks second globally by size, has exercised enormous influence across cities, motor parks, and routes. Its grassroots presence is undeniable. From Lagos to Kano, its reach is immediate, sometimes surpassing that of government agencies.

Yet, the sector’s influence has not always been matched by professional standards. There are gaps in training, safety, ethical practices, and regulatory compliance. CIoTA’s proposal to formally engage with NURTW seeks to address these challenges by recognising the union’s significance while inviting it into a shared framework of professionalism.

What sets this initiative apart is the understanding that true reform cannot ignore those who operate daily within the system. CIoTA’s offer to create a special membership category for NURTW members, accompanied by mandatory professional training, sends a strong signal that everyone within the transport value chain matters.

Professionalism should not be seen as something reserved for a privileged few. Whether a person is managing a motor park or driving a commercial vehicle, they have a role to play in creating a transport system that is safe, efficient, and future-ready. This approach reflects a shift in mindset. It is no longer about imposing order from above. It is about building structure from within. This is especially important now, as the country seeks to implement the transport renewal agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Prince Obayendo’s message during the visit was clear. Collaboration between professional bodies and transport unions is essential if Nigeria is to improve regulatory standards, raise safety levels, and enhance innovation across the sector. He rightly observed that with proper cooperation, the two bodies can design policies that reflect the lived experience of transport workers while meeting national and global expectations.

Comrade Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, the National President of NURTW, welcomed the initiative and assured that the union would consider the proposal carefully. His response suggests a willingness to explore new models of engagement that can benefit both the union and the wider public.

But more than words are needed. To build lasting change, both CIoTA and NURTW must commit to clear action points. These may include joint training programmes, the development of ethical guidelines, and collaborative monitoring of standards. This is not a one-time partnership. It should evolve into a long-term working relationship that helps transform the road transport landscape.

That said, the Nigerian road transport sector is too vital to be left entirely in the hands of informal structures. With millions of people relying on road transport daily, the need for an organised, accountable, and professional system is more urgent than ever. This collaboration presents a chance to move in that direction. It is the beginning of a new chapter in transport governance, one that promises to bring both structure and dignity to the people who move our nation every day.