•••Vows To Tackle Growing Insecurity, Other Vices In Road Transport Sector
By Henshaw NYONG, Uyo.
Only six months into his administration, the A.R.I.S.E Agenda blueprint of Governor Umo Eno, has already won widespread praise from highly reputable individuals and organizations across the Country, with the latest recognition coming from the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
In an extraordinary show of support, the association lauded Governor Eno for his vision and achievements so far, declaring that his agenda is a roadmap to success for the oil rich State.
This was part of the resolution at a well-attended meeting between RTEAN, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Nigeria Police, the State Security Service (SSS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Long Distance Transport Stakeholders and other Transport Companies in the State held on Tuesday at the conference hall of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Uyo, the State capital.
At the inaugural meeting, which was convened to develop strategies for addressing insecurity in the road transport sector, protecting passengers and their property, and improving working relationships with security agencies, amongst others, stakeholders present agreed that the meeting was timely and necessary. They expressed optimism that the initiatives discussed would help to improve safety and security in Akwa Ibom State.
In his remark, Comrade Godwin Christopher Edem, State Chairman of RTEAN, eulogized the close collaboration between the Association and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and pledged to continue working in compliance with the Federal Ministry’s industrial laws to promote industrial harmony in Akwa Ibom State.
He also strongly urged cooperation among the union, security agencies, and other stakeholders to address the issues of road insecurity and protect passengers. “Only through cooperation and coordination can we effectively address these issues and ensure the safety of all those who rely on our services,” he stated
The Chairman acknowledged that the inauguration of the RTEAN Marshall on 23rd June 2022 by the Minister, Federal Ministry of Transport, had yielded positive results in reducing criminal activities on the roads, but emphasized the need for continued cooperation to eradicate the issue entirely.
Comrade Edem expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their efforts and urged them to continue working with RTEAN to ensure the safety of passengers.
He specifically eulogized the Executive National President of RTEAN, Alhaji Dr. Amb. Musa Muhammed (MAITAKOBI), for his gargantuan reforms in the road transport sector even as he announced National President’s eagerness to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Government on several projects and programmes that will benefit the people of the state.
While commending the RTEAN’s National President for his love and concern for the people of Akwa Ibom, Comrade Edem thanked him for his commitment to improving the welfare of the Association’s members in the state.
In their separate presentations, the State Deputy Chairman of RTEAN (Planning and Logistics), Comrade David Ita Okon, and the Secretary, Comrade Godwin Asuquo George, outlined several new initiatives launched by the national body of RTEAN to safeguard its stakeholders and improve their financial security.
These initiatives include ‘RTEAN karrygo,’ a cashless payment policy for travelers aimed at reducing fraud and increasing accountability in the road. The initiatives also include ‘Pre and Post Crash Initiative,’ a programme designed to reduce the number of deaths caused by road accidents, and several insurance policies to protect stakeholders in the transportation sector.
The RTEAN officials strongly encouraged transport companies, private park owners, and other stakeholders to key into the important initiatives, join forces and work together to support them.
They used the occasion and called on all Road Transporters to affiliate with the State Chapter of Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) as their umbrella body for industrial and harmonious operation as enshrine in RTEAN Constitution Article 26 (C&D).
Meanwhile, the meeting, which was well-attended, received positive responses from Mr. Henry Okpon, a Principal Labour Officer, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, who represented the State Controller, Eno Richard, the Rapid Response Desk Officer on Industrial Relations, the representative of the State Director of DSS and the representative of the State Commandant FRSC.
Goodwill Messages came from Hon. (Engr) Eduok Eduok and Comrade Akamba Awah JP; Patrons of RTEAN. Transport companies in attendance included; Delking Express, ASCE Logistics, Viajah Transport Company, Usenobong Transport Company, P. T. S Transport Company, Akwa Ibom Long Distance Transport, Akwa Ibom Long Distance Transport Stakeholders as well as Park owners.
They all commended RTEAN’s efforts to improve the transport sector and the welfare of its members, and pledged to offer necessary support and assistance at all times.
