The Public Transport Owners of Nigeria, PTONA, has set up a new legal unit to protect members against harassment, illegal road levies and intimidation by both state and non-state actors.
This was disclosed by the Acting President, Comrade Uwemedimo Udo Essen during the PTONA AGM 2026.
The president said the association will reposition itself to serve not just transport owners, but the millions of commuters who depend on road transport daily.
Comrade Essen promised to reposition PTONA through sustainable funding model that is fair, transparent, and member-owned, adding that the era of dependence, compromise was over.
“We are gathered here under one clear theme: “Restoring Trust, Repositioning PTONA.” For too long, trust was broken. For over five years, PTONA was silent. Our members felt abandoned. Our industry felt voiceless. Promises were made, but results were missing. Transporters were exploited, illegal levies multiplied, and the men and women who keep Nigeria moving, the Transporters were left to suffer alone. That is why we are here today. Not to dwell on the past, but to rebuild from it.
“We will restore trust by protecting your rights. Through our new Legal Unit, PTONA will challenge illegal road levies, harassment, and intimidation in courts and at government level. No transporter will fight alone again. That is why we are here.
“PTONA must be more than a name on paper. It must be a force that changes lives. We will reposition PTONA through unity and membership. One association, one voice.
“When government makes transport policy, they must consult PTONA because we speak for every driver, conductor, and operator from Uyo to Sokoto. Abuja to Enugu and from Lagos to Kano.
“We will reposition PTONA through sustainable funding. We will build a funding model that is fair, transparent, and member-owned. No more dependence. No more compromise. PTONA will stand on its own feet.”
