The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a staunch defender of formal transport unions and a leader who strengthened the institutional framework of Nigeria’s transport sector.

National Executive President, RTEAN, Musa Maitakobi, said the former leader was a pillar of national stability, whose policies transformed Nigeria’s transport infrastructure and improved the welfare of transport workers across the federation.

Deputy National President (Administration) of the union, Muhammad Abubakar Bishara, in a statement on Wednesday, said

Maitakobi praised Buhari for his disciplined leadership, patriotism, and relentless pursuit of national unity and economic self-reliance.

He added that the late president’s commitment to infrastructure renewal brought direct benefits to RTEAN’s members nationwide.

He observed that during Buhari’s leadership, vital investments were made in road and rail projects, reducing the burden on commercial drivers and transporters and improving trade connectivity across the country.

The association also recognised Buhari’s respect for formal transport unions and his efforts to uphold law and order on Nigeria’s roads, describing him as a listening leader who supported the rule of law.

He said, “Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed critical infrastructure renewal and investment in road and rail transport, which helped ease the burden on commercial vehicle operators and road users alike.

“He was a pillar of national stability and an advocate of structured transport development. His administration’s investments in the rehabilitation of federal highways, inland dry ports, and the resuscitation of railway lines directly benefited millions of our members and the entire transport ecosystem.”

He recalled Buhari’s support for formal transport unions and his insistence on maintaining law and order across Nigeria’s roads, adding that RTEAN, as a responsible transport body, regarded him as a listening leader who respected institutions and upheld the rule of law.

“Nigeria has lost a father figure and a symbol of national discipline. His legacies, especially in infrastructure and public service reform, will continue to speak for him,” he said.

RTEAN extended its heartfelt condolences to the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and all citizens during this solemn period of national mourning.

Maitakobi also called on the association’s members across the 774 local government areas of the federation to offer special prayers for the repose of the late President’s soul.