Nigeria’s transport sector is supported by multiple institutions tasked with regulation, safety enforcement, and operational coordination. Among the most prominent are the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
While the FRSC is a statutory regulatory body under federal law, the NURTW functions as a legally registered trade union. Over the years, interactions between these two organizations have, at times, escalated into clashes, raising concerns about the safety of road users, the effectiveness of regulation, and the influence of politics on road transport operations.
This article provides a fact-based examination of the history of FRSC–NURTW interactions, the structural issues behind their recurring disputes, and the policy responses intended to address them.
FRSC and NURTW: Understanding Their Mandates
FRSC – A Federal Safety Regulator
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was established in 1988 through Decree No. 45 (now the FRSC Act, Cap F19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004). Its core responsibilities include:
- Regulating driver licensing and vehicle safety standards
- Enforcing speed limits and traffic compliance
- Conducting road safety awareness campaigns
- Reducing road traffic crashes and fatalities
The FRSC operates under the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, with a national mandate that gives it jurisdiction over federal highways and road safety-related enforcement across Nigeria.
NURTW – A National Transport Workers Union
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) is registered under the Trade Unions Act and functions as a union for commercial drivers, conductors, and other road transport workers. Its key roles include:
- Representing members in industrial matters
- Managing loading activities in parks and garages
- Coordinating local transport operations
- Collecting dues and regulating union conduct in motor parks
NURTW operates primarily at the state and local levels. In states like Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, it is deeply embedded in daily transport logistics and local administration of parks.
Clashes Between Authority and Operations: A Timeline of Conflict
Over the years, specific confrontations between FRSC personnel and NURTW members have drawn national attention. While not always widespread or frequent, these incidents have involved allegations of harassment, overreach, obstruction, and in some cases, violence.
Ibadan (2001): Disagreement Over Enforcement
In 2001, an incident in Ibadan reportedly led to injuries after FRSC officials stopped commercial drivers for non-compliance. The situation escalated when some union members intervened, claiming that officers were engaging in harassment. News reports at the time indicated that tensions were only resolved after police intervention.
Mushin, Lagos (2005): Disruption at a Motor Park
An operation to enforce safety compliance in Mushin, Lagos, in 2005 turned contentious when FRSC officers attempted to impound buses lacking valid documentation.
Union representatives disputed the manner of the enforcement. The disagreement led to altercations, with injuries sustained on both sides. Eyewitnesses and local reports cited bystanders who were inadvertently caught in the confrontation.
Osun State (2010): Protests and Allegations
In 2010, union members in Osogbo protested what they described as repeated interference from road safety authorities. The protest escalated, leading to damage to public property, including a local FRSC post. According to reports, the conflict stemmed from disagreements over perceived duplication of enforcement roles and alleged mistreatment of drivers.
Iwo Road, Ibadan (2021): A Highly Publicized Altercation
In June 2021, a dispute at Iwo Road in Ibadan gained national media coverage when videos surfaced showing a confrontation between FRSC operatives and individuals said to be affiliated with NURTW.
The conflict was reportedly triggered during an attempt to arrest a commercial driver, leading to an outcry from nearby union members. Multiple vehicles were damaged, and at least one person sustained injuries.
Institutional Dynamics: Why Clashes Persist
Overlap of Authority
Although FRSC is responsible for traffic regulation and road safety, NURTW’s involvement in daily park operations often places its members at the front lines of transport compliance. This sometimes leads to jurisdictional tension, particularly when FRSC officers operate within or near parks managed by NURTW.
Perceptions of Harassment and Resistance
From the union’s perspective, enforcement operations can sometimes appear excessive or lacking in procedural fairness—particularly in regions where communication between both bodies is poor. Conversely, FRSC officials have occasionally reported obstruction during legal duties, especially when dealing with commercial vehicles that are non-compliant.
Revenue and Influence
In some states, the collection of union dues, loading fees, and garage management rights are significant sources of income and influence for NURTW chapters. Any interference—perceived or actual—by enforcement agencies can be viewed as a threat to that structure. This is particularly relevant in cities like Lagos, where park operations are heavily regulated at the union level.
The Role of Politics in Transport Management
Political Recognition of Union Leaders
Over time, NURTW has become a politically significant institution in Nigeria. Some of its leaders, particularly in Lagos and other metropolitan areas, have been recognized for their mobilization capacity during elections. This recognition often translates to a degree of political insulation, making enforcement more delicate for federal agencies operating in those environments.
A notable example is Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), a former NURTW chairman in Lagos who has been actively involved in public discourse and political events. His later appointment to head the Lagos State Parks and Garages Committee in 2022, following internal restructuring of the NURTW, underscores the extent to which union leadership intersects with political administration.
State-Level Transport Reforms
In response to rising tensions, some states have initiated reforms aimed at managing motor park operations outside the NURTW framework. In Lagos, for example, the state government disbanded NURTW operations in 2022 and replaced them with a public committee. However, many former NURTW leaders retained prominent roles within the new structure, leading to questions about the depth of the reforms.
Legal and Policy Efforts Toward Harmonization
Several efforts have been made to bridge the operational gap between the FRSC and NURTW:
2009 and 2014 MoUs: Memorandums of Understanding were signed at different times between the FRSC and NURTW to enhance cooperation on road safety awareness and compliance.
Joint Training and Sensitization Programs: In select states, the FRSC has partnered with union leaders for periodic training of commercial drivers on road safety, including defensive driving techniques and passenger welfare.
Public Safety Campaigns: The “Ember Months Road Safety Campaign” frequently features collaboration between FRSC, NURTW, and state ministries to reduce accidents during holiday seasons.
Despite these initiatives, challenges remain in ensuring consistent enforcement without confrontation and in establishing mechanisms for dispute resolution during operations.
The Impact on Road Users
The primary concern in these disagreements is the impact on everyday commuters. When confrontations occur—whether in the form of protests, strikes, or roadside incidents—they often disrupt transport schedules, cause road blockages, and in rare cases, lead to injury.
One such case in Onitsha (2016) involved a crash during an FRSC enforcement attempt, resulting in civilian casualties. Local reports confirmed that union members protested afterward, alleging misconduct. Investigations were reportedly conducted, but findings were not widely published.
Pathways Forward: Recommendations for Policy and Practice
1. Clearer Jurisdictional Boundaries
States and federal authorities need to establish clearer operational boundaries for FRSC and NURTW functions, particularly in urban motor parks and loading zones. This should include joint protocols for traffic checks involving commercial vehicles.
2. Mediation Mechanisms
Institutionalizing conflict resolution boards comprising FRSC, NURTW, state transport ministries, and civil society observers can help de-escalate situations and resolve grievances without confrontation.
3. Public Education
Continuous education on road safety compliance, documentation requirements, and lawful conduct—targeted at both drivers and enforcers—can improve understanding and reduce unnecessary friction.
4. Oversight and Accountability
Both FRSC and NURTW should strengthen internal accountability mechanisms. Allegations of misconduct by union officials or enforcement officers should be promptly investigated, with outcomes made public.
FINAL THOUGHT
The history of clashes between the Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Union of Road Transport Workers reflects broader tensions within Nigeria’s transport regulatory landscape. While both bodies have legitimate roles within their respective jurisdictions, unresolved disputes, overlapping authority, and political interests have, at times, created flashpoints.
Addressing these issues requires a balanced, multi-stakeholder approach that emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and the welfare of road users. The roads must serve their primary function—safe and reliable mobility for all—and achieving that goal will depend on how effectively institutions can work together within their defined limits.
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