The National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for the 2027 elections.
The unions announced their support during a visit by their national and state leadership, alongside representatives from the seven North-West states, to Katsina on Saturday.
The endorsement event, held at the Gwagware Foundation, was attended by government officials, transport sector stakeholders and political leaders.
According to a statement issued by the Katsina State Government, Radda described the endorsement as recognition of infrastructure and transport investments by both the Federal Government and his administration.
“NURTW and NARTO are playing a very significant role in the progress of our people. We appreciate you for coming to Katsina to endorse Mr. President and my candidature,” Radda said.
The governor said his administration had invested heavily in road construction, noting that the Ministry of Works remained one of the state’s highest-budgeted ministries.
“We have invested heavily in road construction. The Ministry of Works carries one of the highest budgets in the state and has been doing tremendously well,” he said.
Radda said the state government was also focused on transforming cities and local government headquarters through road construction, urban renewal and improved connectivity.
He recalled that NARTO and NURTW had supported him and Tinubu during the 2023 elections.
“They supported us in 2023 and gave us victory. I believe we have not disappointed you,” he said.
Radda Promises Talks on Vehicles, Soft Financing
The governor also responded to requests from the transport unions for vehicles and access to soft financing.
Radda said the government would engage the unions on possible areas of support.
“I have heard your requests. We will invite you for a closed-door meeting to discuss how we can support NURTW and NARTO,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the 2027 elections would be peaceful and credible.
NARTO Cites Infrastructure as Basis for Endorsement
NARTO Deputy National President, Prince Ganiyu Atanda Salami, who represented the association’s National President, Alhaji Lawal Yusuf Othman, said the endorsement was based on what the unions described as the performance of Tinubu and Radda in infrastructure and transportation.
“From what we have seen and from your achievements, we are looking forward to seeing you here again in 2027,” Salami said.
He commended road projects across Katsina metropolis and the state’s local government areas while appealing for soft loans to enable transport operators to renew and expand their businesses.
Salami formally announced NARTO’s endorsement of Tinubu and Radda for 2027 and urged members of the association to support continuity.
The Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Sani Magaji Ingawa, said the endorsement reflected the impact of federal and state government policies on infrastructure and transportation.
“Katsina has witnessed significant investment in road construction, dualisation, rehabilitation and urban renewal under Governor Radda,” Ingawa said.
He also highlighted the procurement of modern buses for the Katsina State Transport Authority (KTSTA), alongside the development of workshops, bus stops and transport terminals.
“These interventions are designed as an integrated transport system to improve efficiency and reduce the burden of transportation costs on our citizens,” he said.
NURTW Commends Radda’s Development Initiatives
NURTW Chairman for Katsina State and the Northern Region, Alhaji Musa Garba Yandoma, said the event was organised to endorse Tinubu and Radda while recognising the governor’s development initiatives.
Yandoma commended the administration’s urban renewal projects, road construction, education initiatives, including smart schools, and the restoration of local government autonomy.
“We are presenting this award in appreciation of your leadership and development efforts,” Yandoma said.
He also appealed for additional vehicles and other support to strengthen the union’s operations.
The unions subsequently presented an Award of Recognition to Governor Radda.
The event was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe; businessman Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal; NURTW and NARTO representatives from the seven North-West states; government officials; members of the National and State Assemblies; local government chairmen; traditional and community leaders; and other transport sector stakeholders.
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