The National Union of Private Cab Operators (NUPCO) has called on its members to avoid partisan politics, emphasising that its main goal continues to be safeguarding and promoting members’ business interests.

The union expressed this urge during the inauguration of the Lagos State Council of the union.

The inauguration gathered cab owners from various branches. Additionally, the union opened four new branches in Lagos: Domestic Terminal, Domestic Terminal 2, the International Terminal Zonal branch and Aero.

Vice President of the union, Obasanjo Alinson, stated that the organisation was established on three main principles, with the primary focus on protecting the collective interests of private cab operators throughout Nigeria.

According to him, operators cannot function effectively in isolation; hence the need for unity to build a formidable association capable of addressing shared challenges within the sector.

He stressed that although the union acknowledges politics’ role in society, it will oppose any involvement motivated by personal interests, ego, nepotism, or sentiment.

Alinson cautioned that permitting these influences to influence the union’s agenda might hinder its goals and weaken its stability over the long term.

He observed that the union’s power comes from its collective determination and shared goal, emphasising that solidarity would help members attain lasting growth.

Alinson also emphasised that the organisation is motivated by a mindset of possibility, asserting that no challenge is too difficult to overcome.

He encouraged members to stay proactive, disciplined, and focused, emphasising that selflessness and teamwork are essential for reaching the union’s objectives.

NUPCO President Adepegba Samuel, in his keynote address, called on state chapters to speed up the creation of branches across the country. He described the opening of the Lagos chapter as the start of a larger expansion effort.

He tasked zonal leaders with replicating the process across their regions, while charging branch executives with holding regular meetings and maintaining proper records of members.

Samuel also stressed the importance of following the union’s constitution to prevent misinformation. He mentioned that Lagos executives will act as the operational hub in the state and urged proactive conflict management and unity among members.

In his acceptance speech, Lagos State’s new NUPCO Chairman, Adio Ajagbe, vowed to maintain the union’s integrity and advocate for members’ interests.

Ajagbe is committed to establishing an inclusive administration centred on consultation, training, and collaboration with key agencies. He stated that Lagos would set an example for other states, while emphasising the importance of members’ welfare and rights.

He condemned the increasing insecurity, costly fuel, and inadequate infrastructure impacting operators’ livelihoods, emphasising the need to address these issues urgently.

Ajagbe reaffirmed the commitment to unity, expanding branches, and strengthening partnerships across sectors to enhance operations and collective progress.

In his message to the group, Rufus Olusesan, President of PERESSA, highlighted the importance of ongoing capacity building for union members. He noted that training and orientation are essential for the union’s development, and that members need exposure to different perspectives to better understand the union’s principles and movement.

Olusesan emphasised that safety should always be at the core of union activities, urging leaders to focus on organised training programs. He noted that new members need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively. He also expressed confidence that with proper guidance, they will quickly reach their full potential in supporting the union’s goals.