NLC Facilitates Peace Talks Between MC Oluomo And Baruwa Over NURTW Dispute

The prolonged leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) appears to be moving towards a resolution as the union’s rival leaders, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, and Tajudeen Baruwa, have agreed to embrace dialogue in a bid to end the dispute.

According to Ireporter Online, the breakthrough emerged after a peace and reconciliation meeting convened by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja, where representatives of both factions reportedly expressed their commitment to resolving their differences amicably and restoring unity within the transport workers’ union.

Sources familiar with the meeting described the development as the most meaningful progress recorded since the leadership crisis began, noting that both Akinsanya and Baruwa agreed to sustain discussions until all outstanding issues are resolved.

A source present at the meeting disclosed that the talks were frank, constructive, and encouraging, adding that both parties had embraced an unconditional reconciliation process with optimism that it could usher in a new era of stability for the union.

The NLC is expected to convene additional meetings with both camps in the coming weeks to strengthen the reconciliation process and ensure lasting peace within the organisation. The labour centre has consistently intervened in the dispute over the years in an effort to end the divisions that have weakened the union.

The latest peace initiative is widely expected to ease tensions and provide a practical pathway towards a mutually acceptable settlement of the lingering leadership tussle.

The crisis dates back to 2022 when Tajudeen Baruwa emerged as National President during the NURTW National Delegates’ Conference. However, MC Oluomo’s faction rejected the outcome of the election, resulting in the emergence of parallel leadership structures, prolonged legal battles, and deep divisions among members, prompting repeated intervention by the Nigeria Labour Congress to restore stability within the union.