Labour Minister urges NURTW to embrace peace, shun violence

Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has urge leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW to shun crisis but rather embrace peace in their various states.

Barr. Onyejeocha gave the advice on Tuesday, 23 January, 2024 in the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Abuja, when the Acting President, state chairmen and other officials of the NURTW paid her a courtesy visit.

The Minister assured the cooperation of the Federal Government with leaders of the NURTW, as she also called for collaboration of the union to enable government at all levels fulfill their vision and mandate.

Hon. Onyejeocha, who promised to relay the goodwill message of the union to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assured that whatever was left undone, with the cooperation of the NURTW leaders, will be done accordingly.

“This is a New Year that is bringing renewed hope and I believe that we will work assiduously with you. We will cooperate with your vision and you will cooperate with our vision and mandate. Because our vision and mandate is to make sure there is peace in this country so that everybody will be happy.

“President Tinubu will be working diligently to make sure that every agreement is entered with various people. I believe that you will pass the message of goodwill to your constituency and members of the NURTW.” the Minister said.

Earlier, the Acting President of NURTW, Comrade Aliyu Issa Ore, thanked the Minister for choosing to tread the path of justice, fairness and impartiality in the handling of affairs of the union despite all efforts by detractors to intimidate and ridicule the Ministry’s efforts.

He appealed to the Minister to continue in this direction, so that the union can enjoy sustained industrial peace and harmony in the country, Comrade Ore pledged continuous synergy and collaboration between the union and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“We believe that the struggle for survival of our union which started middle of last year is not unfamiliar to you as we have been regular guests to the ministry since your appointment as Minister of State.

“Consequently, we have experienced peace, unity and progress in NURTW. For assisting us to achieve this feat, we reaffirm our solidarity and goodwill to the Ministry and to your good self.” NURTW boss said.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar, in an address has advised union leaders to give their modest contributions toward national development.

He said, “Your roles as leaders of the union is to ensure there is peace and also render effective services to Nigerians through which we can ensure that there is good governance in Nigeria.”