The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, while urging the Federal Government to establish a specialised Bank of Transportation to cater to operators within the sector.
The endorsement was made public in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the union’s leadership.
According to the National President of RTEAN, Musa Maitakobi, the decision followed extensive consultations across the association’s units, chapels, state branches, zonal offices, and national structure.
Maitakobi said the economic and infrastructural reforms being implemented by Tinubu’s administration, particularly those affecting transportation, have repositioned the sector as a key driver of national development.
He stressed that the industry requires a dedicated financial institution that understands its unique structure and challenges, enabling operators to access affordable credit for fleet renewal, infrastructure upgrades, safety improvements, and expansion.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to establish a Bank of Transport, similar to the Bank of Industry and the Bank of Agriculture,” he said.
“Transportation spans land, sea, and air. The sector needs a structured financial institution tailored to its peculiarities to ensure sustainable growth.”
The association noted that the current administration’s emphasis on structure, coordination, accountability, and long-term planning aligns with RTEAN’s nationwide operational framework.
It added that transportation is now being treated as a central component 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 recognises the critical role of transportation in national growth and economic stability,” the communiqué stated.
RTEAN further argued that Nigeria must move beyond ad hoc policies and embrace institutional strengthening, policy clarity, and structured reforms to sustain development.
The union maintained that continuity in leadership beyond 2027 would help consolidate ongoing reforms, complete infrastructure projects, and safeguard investments made by stakeholders in the transport sector.
It therefore called on its members nationwide to begin mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, describing policy consistency as essential to sustaining reforms.
The association also commended the Federal Government for promoting the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative vehicle fuel. It noted the increasing number of vehicles at CNG stations across the country as evidence of growing acceptance among transport operators.
According to RTEAN, the CNG initiative benefits transporters directly by lowering operational costs while encouraging cleaner energy use.
Support for Tinubu’s re-election has continued to emerge from political leaders across the country, many of whom argue that ongoing reforms in the economy, infrastructure, and security require continuity to achieve their intended results.
However, the 2027 presidential race is expected to be keenly contested, with several prominent opposition figures preparing to challenge the incumbent.
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