NURTW Backs Gov. Lawal's Re-Election Over Transport Reforms in Zamfara

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has celebrated Governor Dauda Lawal's contributions to transforming Zamfara State's transport sector and infrastructure, honouring him even as it threw its weight behind his re-election bid.

The union presented an Award of Excellence to Lawal at the Dome Pavilion, Government House, Gusau, according to a statement issued by the governor's spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, on Thursday in Gusau.

"While presenting a plaque of excellence, the union also announced its endorsement of Lawal's re-election bid," the statement read, noting that the NURTW Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr Najeem Yasin, led a high-profile delegation — which included the union's National President, Musiliu Akinsanya (popularly known as MC Oluomo), and other senior officials — to present the award to the governor on Wednesday.

Responding, Governor Lawal said the NURTW's endorsement demonstrated that the collaboration between the transport sector and the state government had yielded tangible results. "I warmly welcome elder statesman Alhaji (Dr.) Najeem Usman Yasin (Makaman Gusau), Chairman of the Board of Trustees. As the first NURTW State Chairman in Zamfara after 1996, your return is symbolic. You founded transport unionism in Zamfara, and we are proud of your legacy," he said, extending a similar welcome to the union's national president and administrative team.

The governor commended the national chairman for his emphasis on structural reform and professionalising the transport industry across the country. He said he was deeply humbled by the two honours bestowed on him, describing the Award of Excellence as recognition of his leadership efforts and a renewed commitment to do more.

"Second, I am grateful for the endorsement for a second term from NURTW, a key grassroots group, which affirms that our policies positively impact ordinary citizens. When we took over leadership, we promised the people of Zamfara a rebirth. We knew an efficient and safe transport sector was essential for a thriving economy," Lawal said.

According to him, that conviction informed the distribution of 50 subsidised mass transit vehicles to NURTW members, aimed at improving both their livelihoods and public commuting in the state. "It also prompted a major renovation of the Zamfara Council Secretariat to give transit workers a dignified working environment," the governor added.

Earlier in his remarks, NURTW Board of Trustees Chairman Dr Yasin said the union's leadership had closely observed Lawal's achievements over his more than three years in office, noting that the visit to Gusau was intended to publicly recognise those efforts through the Award of Excellence.

"We feel it is our duty as leaders of the union to come and show the whole world what you have done. By October 1, Zamfara will be 30 years since its creation. Gov. Lawal is surely a gift to Zamfara. With the transformation he has achieved in three years, he has brought Zamfara to world standards," Yasin said.

He concluded by formally endorsing the governor's re-election bid on behalf of the union. "I want to, on behalf of the NURTW, endorse Gov. Dauda Lawal for re-election and also call on all members of the union to support and work towards his re-election in 2027 for the continuation of the good work he has started," Yasin stated.