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Industrial Court Orders Baruwa-Led Team to Take Over NURTW Secretariat in Abuja

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 13th, 2026.

Abuja, Nigeria , The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has ordered the faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) currently occupying the union’s national secretariat in Abuja, led by Musiliu Akinsanya, to vacate the office and hand over control to the leadership of Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa.

Delivering judgment on March 6, 2026, in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/203/2025, Justice E. D. Subilim directed the defendants and anyone acting through them to immediately cede possession of the secretariat, including all property, documents, and facilities, to the recognised Baruwa-led executive.

The claimants, led by Baruwa, include Bello Adamu, Eugene Eze Job, Dajuma Saidu, Prince Isah Dahiru Usman, Suleman Adamu, and Odion Olaye (JP), among others. They had approached the court to restrain the defendants from occupying the NURTW office in Abuja without lawful authority.

“The court has ruled in favour of the Baruwa-led executive, mandating the defendants to vacate the premises and cease further occupation,” said Sahara Reporters. “It further restrained the defendants from collecting tickets or fees from union members across the country.”

According to Business Day, the court’s decision is expected to restore stability and lawful governance in the union, which has been plagued by competing factions claiming legitimacy. Baruwa’s leadership had previously been affirmed by a Court of Appeal ruling in 2024, which dismissed challenges to his presidency and upheld an earlier Industrial Court decision recognising him as the legitimate national president.

Analysts say the ruling reinforces the judiciary’s role in ensuring union governance complies with due process and established electoral mandates. “This judgment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of labour unions in Nigeria, particularly those like the NURTW that wield significant social and economic influence,” a legal expert told The Guardian.

As the Baruwa-led team prepares to assume full control of the Abuja secretariat, industry observers are watching closely to see how the transition unfolds and whether it will finally end the factional rivalry that has disrupted one of Nigeria’s most prominent transport unions.