Reasons why NURTW continues to be one of the largest employers of non-skilled labor in Lagos

Unemployment remains one of the significant challenges facing Nigeria, and The National Union of Road Transport Workers has been a source of job opportunities for non-skilled workers. They have been able to put food on different people's tables in Lagos and Nigeria at large. lets take a look at how NURTW has been one of the largest employers of non skilled labour in Lagos and Nigeria.

Why NURTW remains one of the largest employers of Non-skilled Labour in Lagos

One of Nigeria's issues is unemployment, which has eaten up so deep that people enter illegal businesses. In one of our articles, we talked about how entrepreneurs can solve the employment rate in Nigeria. But have you considered how the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has been helping in providing jobs in Lagos and even Nigeria? As much as they may be involved in so many controversial issues like thugery, drug abuse, election violence e.t.c, the Union still remains the largest employer of unskilled labour in Lagos and Nigeria at large. Here are some reasons why NURTW continues to be at the fore front hiring non-skilled labor in Lagos:

High Demand for Public transport

One of the things about Lagos is that it is a very populus city with so many people trying to commute from one place to another hence there is a huge demand for public transportation in the City. The NURTW is saddled with the responsibility of managing parks, garages and road transport workers which includes drivers, conductors, ticketing agents and many more. As a result of the increased demand for transportation services, the union has also ventured into the business of procuring vehicles and giving them out for people to drive and remit payments hence creating loads of jobs for drivers. 

The presence of the union in many places

The availability of the NURTW in different parks in Lagos has made it easy for people to get served through public transport. Also, it has enabled people to get jobs as community drivers, park or branch chairmen, ticketing officers and fund collectors For all these roles, you dont have to skilled to get the required job done.

Political Influence

The union has significant political influence in Lagos, which helped them get more contracts from the political class. In the elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) always uses the transport sector and public drivers to convey the items needed for the election to the appropriate place. No other form of private transportation is expected to move that day, and public transport is gotten from the NURTW. So due to political influence, the transport workers also get some income due to their affiliation with the union.

Low entry barriers

To be a member of the union has no barriers, as one doesn't need any formal education or certification to be a member. You may only need to know how to drive and learn how to do simple calculations. This low entry barrier has created more job opportunities for non-skilled workers to join the union without challenges. Due to this, we have more people in the country's transport sector.

Great flexibility

There is flexibility in the work with NURTW because we have people who run part-time work, and some are full-time workers with the union. This type of work is decided by each person based on their needs, and this makes the job from the union attractive to non-skilled workers. Also, the flexibility allows you to look after your family and keep your commitments and responsibilities. Also, if you have other engagements to make more money, joining NURTW will help you focus more on them.

High potential to earn more

The flexibility will give you a chance to earn more as an NURTW worker, also through ticket sales and other incentives. Doing this will help you earn more since the workers need to be more skilled and earn like the skilled ones. Working with the National Union of Road Transport Workers is attractive, and every non-skilled worker can make more money there.

Overall, NURTW has been a job base for many non-skilled people in Lagos. This is not limited to Lagos, as everywhere in Nigeria where the union exists has created job opportunities for people. One of the beautiful things is that the government also has its back, making more jobs available. Joining the National Union of Road Transport Workers will help you earn more than any form of engagement.

Challenges faced by NURTW non-skilled workers in Lagos

The NURTW, as one of the largest employers of non-skilled labor in Lagos, faces various challenges that affect its workers. Some of the difficulties that NURTW non-skilled workers face in Lagos include the following:

• Lack of Job Security: job security is unique among the union, as they are employed daily. This makes it difficult for them to plan for the future or secure financial stability.
• Low Wages: working for the NURTW, you can typically earn low wages, which can be insufficient to meet their basic needs. This is especially true for those who work as bus conductors or loaders, who often earn a commission based on the number of passengers or goods they transport.
• Harassment and extortion: Most NURTW non-skilled workers are often prone to harassment and extortion by law enforcement officials or NURTW officials. This can range from demands for bribes to physical violence, leaving workers feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
• Lack of Benefits: NURTW workers do not typically receive health insurance, paid time off, or retirement benefits. This can make it difficult for workers to take time off when sick or plan for retirement.
• Health and Safety Concerns: non-skilled workers are often open to health and safety hazards. Such as working long hours in a confined space with poor ventilation or handling heavy loads without proper equipment. This can result in injuries or illnesses, further impacting their ability to earn a living.
• Lack of Training and Education: the union workers only sometimes receive training or education to help them develop new skills or advance in their careers. This can limit their ability to earn higher wages or secure better job opportunities in the future.
• Limited Social Services: NURTW workers often have limited access to social services such as healthcare, education, or housing. This can make it challenging for them to improve their quality of life or break the cycle of poverty.

In all, as much as the union has been a source of different job opportunities for non-skilled workers, they are still limited in some things. These are now the significant challenges for these workers, as listed above.

How profitable is the Transport business in Lagos?

So many businesses are very profitable, but you can only be limited if you understand the nitty gritty. NURTW has been in the transportation business for a long time because they are the body in charge of transport. Due to their passion for the transportation sector, they have provided many job opportunities for the non-skilled workers, but is the transportation business profitable? One you should know is that a company's profitability depends on so many things.

• Type of Transport Business: The profitability of transport business in Lagos can vary depending on the type of business. For example, taxi and ride-hailing businesses may be more profitable than bus or trucking businesses due to demand, operational costs, and pricing models.
• Location: The location of the transport business can also impact profitability. Areas with high population density, heavy traffic, and business activities tend to have a higher demand for transportation services, leading to more opportunities for profit.
• Operating Costs: The operating costs of a transport business can affect profitability. These costs include vehicle maintenance, fuel costs, insurance, salaries of drivers and other employees, and taxes. Managing these costs effectively is crucial to maximizing profit margins.
• Competition: Competition in the transport business in Lagos can be intense, especially in areas with a high concentration of transport operators. A saturated market can lead to lower prices and lower profit margins.
• Government Regulations: Government policies and regulations can also affect the profitability of the transport business. For example, procedures such as restrictions on the number of vehicles or routes can limit the growth and profitability of a transport business.

Overall, the transport business in Lagos can be highly profitable, especially for those who can effectively manage costs, operate in high-demand areas, and provide quality services. However, the market is highly competitive, and operators must stay ahead of the curve to remain profitable.

Is working with NURTW a good idea?

Despite the challenges of working with NURTW, as highlighted above, it is still a good idea to try it out. Works from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos will surely benefit some people and won't favor others.

On the one hand, as much as working with NURTW cannot offer job security, it can help you with a steady income and opportunities for advancement. NURTW is one of the largest employers of non-skilled labor in Lagos, and they employ thousands of drivers, conductors, and loaders who earn their living through their transport services. Working with the union can also give a sense of community and belonging, as it is known for its strong social support system.

However, working with NURTW also comes with significant risks and challenges. For example, NURTW is known for its involvement in violent clashes with other transport unions, which can endanger workers. NURTW members are sometimes targeted by law enforcement officials and may be subject to harassment, extortion, or violence.

Lastly, NURTW non-skilled workers may face low wages, lack of benefits, and limited opportunities for training or career advancement. The working conditions can also be difficult, with extended hours and exposure to health and safety hazards.

Working with NURTW can be a good idea for some individuals, especially those who value job security and the union's sense of community. However, it is vital to be aware of the risks and challenges involved and to take steps to mitigate them and ensure a safe and secure working environment.

Finally

We hope that the NURTW will solely focus more on job creation opportunities rather than continue to be on the controversial topics of the country. Also, it is essential not to forget that joining the National Union of Road Transport Workers is not the license to become a nuisance to the environment. You can work in a non-skilled environment and still be sane.