- The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria officially backs President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, citing the positive impact of his administration’s reforms on the transport sector
- However, the union urges the Federal Government to establish a specialised Bank of Transportation to provide affordable credit and financial support to transport operators
- The union emphasised that efficient transport boosts productivity, trade, and citizens’ welfare
The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, while calling on the Federal Government to establish a specialised Bank of Transportation to support operators within the sector.
The endorsement was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, February 13, and signed by the union.
In a communiqué, RTEAN’s National President, Musa Maitakobi, explained that the decision followed extensive consultations across the association’s units, chapels, state, zonal, and national structures.
Maitakobi said reforms introduced under Tinubu’s administration, particularly those impacting transportation, have repositioned the sector as a key driver of national development.
“The union argued that the transport sector requires a dedicated financial institution to enable operators to access affordable credit facilities for fleet renewal, infrastructure development, safety improvements, and sectoral expansion,” the statement partly read.
He further stated, “We are writing to the government to consider establishing a Bank of Transport, just as there is a Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture.
“Transport cuts across land, sea, and air. The sector needs a structured financial institution that understands its peculiarities and can provide the necessary support for sustainable growth.
“So we are demanding that the Federal Government consider establishing a Bank of Transport.”
The association noted that the administration’s reform agenda prioritises structure, coordination, accountability, and long-term planning, adding that these principles align with RTEAN’s organised national framework.
According to the union, transportation is now being recognised as a central pillar of economic planning rather than a peripheral service, given its direct impact on productivity, trade, and citizens’ welfare.
“When transport works, the economy moves, and when the economy moves, the people prosper. This administration understands that transport is critical to national growth and economic stability,” the communiqué stated.
RTEAN maintained that Nigeria must move away from what it described as the “politics of improvisation,” stressing the importance of institutional strengthening, policy clarity, and proper organisation to sustain development gains.
The association argued that continuity in leadership would allow ongoing reforms to be consolidated, infrastructure projects to be completed, and existing investments within the transport sector to be safeguarded.
It also urged members nationwide to begin mobilisation efforts in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, emphasising that policy consistency is crucial for sustaining reforms within the sector.
Additionally, RTEAN highlighted the growing adoption of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative vehicle fuel, applauding the government for championing the initiative. It noted that the increasing queues at CNG stations across the country indicate rising acceptance among transport operators.
The union said the CNG initiative benefits transporters directly by lowering operational costs while promoting cleaner energy use.
Support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition has also been expressed by various political figures and party leaders nationwide, who contend that reforms in the economy, infrastructure, and security sectors require continuity beyond 2027 to achieve their full impact.
With the 2027 election expected to be highly competitive, several prominent political figures, including former presidential candidates and opposition party leaders, are reportedly preparing to challenge Tinubu’s bid.