ABUJA – A major breakthrough has emerged in the four-year leadership crisis rocking the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as rival leaders Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and Tajudeen Baruwa have agreed to pursue reconciliation through dialogue following the intervention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The resolution followed a peace and reconciliation meeting convened by the NLC in Abuja, where both factions committed to resolving their differences amicably and restoring unity, stability and credibility to the transport workers’ union.
Sources familiar with the mediation described the outcome as the most significant progress recorded since the leadership dispute began, noting that both camps demonstrated a renewed commitment to ending the prolonged crisis through continuous engagement.
A source close to the discussions said the meeting was frank, constructive and encouraging, adding that the willingness of both parties to remain at the negotiation table had revived hopes of achieving a lasting settlement.
According to the source, both Akinsanya and Baruwa agreed that the reconciliation process should continue without preconditions, expressing optimism that the dialogue signals the beginning of a new chapter for the union.
The NLC is expected to convene additional meetings to consolidate the peace process and strengthen unity within the NURTW.
The union has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since 2022, when Tajudeen Baruwa emerged as National President during the NURTW National Delegates’ Conference.
However, a rival faction led by MC Oluomo rejected the outcome of the election, leading to parallel leadership structures, prolonged court cases and deep divisions within the union. The dispute has prompted several interventions by the Nigeria Labour Congress in a bid to restore peace and stability.
