From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Tension is brewing at the historic Okigwe Motor Park in Umuahia, Abia State, following allegations by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) that the facility was secretly sold to a private individual for ₦3.5 million.
Leaders of the NURTW at the Umuahia Okigwe Motor Park accused the leadership of the Umuahia North Local Government, headed by Chairman Hon. Smart Ihuoma, of selling the park to Comrade Victor Nwacham. However, Nwacham has denied the claim, insisting that the motor park belongs to the local government and was never sold to him.
Speaking with journalists at the park, NURTW spokesperson Comrade Uzoma praised Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti for infrastructural improvements at the motor park, including the restoration of electricity, water supply, and renovation of public facilities. According to him, the park has existed since the administration of the late Governor Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe and has long served as a major transport hub in the area.
Uzoma noted that the NURTW supported Governor Otti during the 2023 elections and contributed to the Labour Party’s victory in Abia State. He added that transport workers had endured significant challenges in the park before the recent upgrades carried out by the state government.
The union explained that the park is jointly operated by four groups: NURTW, the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (ROTAN), and a cooperative society. For years, the unions reportedly worked together peacefully, sharing loading opportunities among drivers.
However, the situation reportedly changed in 2025 when Victor Nwacham allegedly assumed control of the park’s administration and began operating as its manager. NURTW members claimed this development limited their activities and created tension among transport workers.
Union officials said they reported the matter to the Umuahia North Local Government Chairman, who allegedly denied having any dealings with Nwacham. They also petitioned the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, who later issued a notice reaffirming that the NURTW has the authority to operate in government-designated motor parks across the state.
The notice, dated July 18, 2025, stated that the NURTW remains the principal union responsible for coordinating activities in public motor parks and loading bays in Abia State. Copies of the directive were reportedly sent to security agencies including the Department of State Services and the Abia State Police Command.
Despite the directive, NURTW members claimed that Nwacham later announced that he had acquired the park for ₦3.5 million. They also alleged that one of the drivers was assaulted by individuals linked to him during a dispute at the park.
In response, Victor Nwacham dismissed the allegations, stating that he never purchased the motor park. He accused the NURTW of spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary conflict within the park.
According to him, the park is owned by the local government and he was only asked to monitor activities there and report back to the council authorities. Nwacham also criticized the NURTW for what he described as “high-handed practices” that allegedly forced some drivers to relocate to other parks.
He explained that the park’s operations involve all four unions and that loading is done on a rotational basis to ensure fairness among drivers.
Some drivers and park workers also downplayed the allegations of crisis. Francis Ebirim, a driver at the park, said there is no serious conflict affecting daily operations. Another driver, Chukwudi, confirmed that vehicles are loaded according to a rotation schedule agreed upon by the unions.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Cleric Gumi Claims Nigeria Knows Every Terrorist’s Name and Location
When contacted, Abia State Commissioner for Transport Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu acknowledged that the ministry is aware of the situation. He reiterated that government motor parks in the state are under the supervision of the NURTW but noted that authorities are monitoring developments at the Okigwe Motor Park.
As the controversy continues, stakeholders are calling for clarity from the local government and the state authorities to prevent further tension among transport workers.