By Milcah Tanimu

The Lagos Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expressed its support for the Lagos State Parks and Garages Administrators (LASPAGA) and called on the state government to continue backing its activities. This declaration was made during a protest held at the Lagos State Government House in Alausa.

This development comes in the wake of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) ban issue. Earlier, on September 23, 2023, Festus Osifo, the National President of TUC, had mentioned the efforts made by TUC in seeking an amicable resolution to the dispute. He stated that TUC had utilized various means of engagement, including written correspondence and meetings with the Lagos State government. Furthermore, RTEAN had obtained a court judgment from the National Industrial Court, which ruled that the state government lacked the authority to proscribe a trade union legally registered by the Federal Government.

In a statement obtained by our correspondent, Idris Alimi, the Lagos State NANS Chairman, praised LASPAGA for contributing to peace in student communities and generating employment opportunities for graduates in the state. He highlighted the positive impact of the collaboration between student leaders and LASPAGA, emphasizing improved security and job creation, which has helped alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment.

Alimi also pointed out that the former Chairman of RTEAN, Alhaji Musa Mohammed, had caused disturbances in school areas within the state. He called on the TUC leadership to respect the court order in this matter, emphasizing that the chaos created by the former RTEAN leadership had resulted in trauma, gunfire incidents near school premises, and setbacks for students living both on and off-campus.

Regarding the legal proceedings surrounding the establishment of LASPAGA and the ongoing dispute with RTEAN, NANS urged the TUC and its associates to abide by the legal process and respect the rule of law.