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ABC Transport at 32: How we stayed afloat, achieved milestones, by MD Nneji

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ABC Transport at 32: How we stayed afloat, achieved milestones, by MD Nneji

Managing Director of ABC Transport Plc, Mr. Jude Nneji, has flashed back to the road the company has travelled since inception in 1993, declaring that there have been some daunting challenges on the way.
He however disclosed that through a combination of astute management and support of loyal customers, the company was able to navigate the challenges to stay afloat and achieve some milestones that define the road transport industry today.

Nneji, who spoke on the 32nd anniversary of ABC Transport, stated “There have been challenges in the past 32 years. But we were braced for them. You know it is not easy for a company to survive three decades in Nigeria.”
He said currently, the company was focusing on rebranding and consolidating on the achievements of the past three decades.

“We are doing a lot of renewal; the logo change, the rebranding, and re-fleeting, among other things, just to move on to the next stage.

“We are consolidating the divisions we have. For now, focus is on our haulage and cargo divisions, as well as our Driver Training Academy (DTA), which is turning a lot of graduates into the professional driver market.”

The success story of ABC Transport Plc began on February 13, 1993, when five mini buses emblazoned with the ABC Transport reindeer logo departed Owerri on a maiden trip to Lagos.
Little did the observers know that the vehicles were paving the way for what is today the foremost land transport company in Nigeria.

The history-making Toyota Hiace buses were procured with a loan from Diamond Bank (now Access Bank) by a youthful and audacious entrepreneur, Mr. Frank Nneji OON, who had the dream of delivering world-class transportation services to Nigerians.

ABC Transport was not among the first generation of luxury bus transporters where a pathfinder like Ekene Dili Chukwu (founded by the late Chief Augustine Ilodobe) belongs. But with Frank Nneji in the driver’s seat, it revolutionised road transportation and set the standards for modern, long distance passenger services.

As the founder of ABC Transport, Frank Nneji recalled in a recent interview that it was the unpleasant personal experience he had during a trip from Owerri to Lagos on board a bus which finally broke down at Ore, that led to the conception of the idea of a modern transport company in 1993.

The objective then, according to him, was to set standards in luxury bus transportation with emphasis on passenger comfort, safety and strict adherence to schedules.

Today, like the oak tree, ABC Transport has not only scored many firsts in road transportation, but has also grown to become a household name in the industry, with a fleet of about 500 vehicles and a network of over 90 locations across the country and in West Africa.

Following the success recorded in the beginning, the ABC Transport fleet was sustainably expanded with the injection of more mini buses and state-of-the-art luxury coaches .

This earned for the company the travellers’ acclaim across the country as the first to introduce air-conditioned coaches with toilet facilities, as well as on-board entertainment featuring video screens and mid-journey refreshment.

One of the innovations introduced by the management in the years following that inaugural trip by the five mini buses was the ABC Customers’ Forum hitherto unknown to the country’s road transport industry.
At the event, which was sustained annually until a few years ago, the management interacted with the customers, and fielded questions, complaints and suggestions on how to improve the company’s services.

On July 16, 2004, ABC Transport scored yet another first with its Coach West Africa – the ECOWAS region’s first scheduled coach service taking off from Lagos (through Cotonou in Benin Republic, and Lome in Togo) to Accra, Ghana, and back, on board the purpose-built coaches.

Online ticket booking, which has since been embraced by most luxury bus transport operators, was first introduced by ABC Transport in 2007, making it easier for travellers to book their trips and pay from the comfort of their homes and offices.
A mobile app was subsequently introduced to enhance the self-service.
Similarly, ABC Transport was the first to establish ultramodern terminals in Nigeria and beyond, with some of them in Lagos, Abuja, Owerri and Port Harcourt.

A high reputation for innovation, outstanding safety records and unique customer experience has since combined with the founder’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence as the driving force behind the company’s success.

Over the past 32 years, ABC Transport has achieved numerous milestones, including, of course, the addition of ABC Cargo Express, the logistics and warehousing division; and ABC Hauls, the haulage services arm.

With the recent deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks, to boost its cement haulage capacity at Lafarge Africa Plc’s cement factory, ABC Hauls and Cargo Express account for about 50 percent of ABC Transport operations.

ABC Hauls is one of Lafarge’s major transporters for the distribution of cement around the country.

ABC Cargo Express, which commenced operations also as a division, has now grown to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the parent company. This was necessitated by its rapid growth and its ability to focus on the innovations going on in the logistics sector.

Through the Cargo division, the company moves hundreds of thousands of packages around West Africa, empowering many businesses with its dedicated e-commerce services.

ABC Transport also has the record of being the first, and so far, the only road transport company to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Along with a seamless succession plan which ensured that the former Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Jude Nneji, took over from Mr. Frank Nneji, as the managing director, the company has been enjoying considerable stability, liquidity and ease of management.

The older Nneji (founder and former managing director) has since moved up to higher responsibilities, including playing a role as a director of the company .

The company has also been recognised for its outstanding performance in the transport industry, winning several awards and accolades both nationally and internationally.

Driver Training Academy, another offshoot of ABC Transport, and the first of its kind in Nigeria, graduated its first set of trainees in 2004.
The Academy was founded with a mission to ‘prepare and produce’ for Nigeria’s motoring environment, law-abiding and safety-conscious drivers who appreciate the value of human life.

It admits trainees from within ABC Transport and other organisations wishing to benefit from the comprehensive training packages approved by the Federal Road Safety Corps.

In 2012, ABC Transport ventured into auto production with its 50 percent stake in Transit Support Services Ltd (TSS), which is into the assembly of heavy and light duty trucks with its flagship brands as Shacman (including fire trucks), SETRAC CNG buses, as well as Forland Trucks.

TSS also provides to the local automotive market Asiastar luxury buses and BAW mini buses and ambulances assembled at its facility in Emene, Enugu.
This is in addition to the sale of automotive parts and after-sales support services

With its DTA, Cargo Express, TSS, and ABC Hauls, ABC Transport is the most diversified transport company in the West African sub-region, having also launched a hospitality arm with City Transit Inn in the Utako area of Abuja, to serve travellers arriving the Federal Capital Territory with budget accommodation.

Looking back to 1993, the founder recalled that to succeed, his management adopted, as a matter of policy, an uncompromising focus on the quality of service ABC rendered and gradually began resetting the standards for road transport operations in Nigeria

This they did by providing a comfortable and suitable alternative road travel means for the discerning traveller who would have otherwise opted to fly.

Thus, the average customer in Nigeria’s travel space embraced the new innovative, more comfortable, timeous, customer-centric and safety-conscious services ABC Transport provided at considerably cheaper rate than what it cost to travel by air.
As the management engages top gear in its current renewal efforts, the Managing Director says he is grateful to God, “and all our customers who have kept faith with us and kept faith with the brand. We will not let them down.”

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Winpart by CFAO, CFAO Solidarity Advance Child Welfare Through Bethesda Foundation Initiative

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2 days ago

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July 7, 2026

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Winpart by CFAO, CFAO Solidarity Advance Child Welfare Through Bethesda Foundation Initiative
L-R: Director of Operations and Pastoral Care, Bethesda Child Support foundation, Mrs Lanre Abu: representative of the founder, Bethesda Child Support foundation; Barrister Olamide Adeleye; General Manager, Winpart by CFAO, Mr. Eric Fantodji; and Deputy Managing Director, CFAO Mobility, Mr Kunle Jaiyesimi, at the presentation of Financial support from CFAO Solidarity and Winpart by CFAO to Bethesda Child Support Foundation in Lagos recently

Winpart by CFAO, CFAO Solidarity Advance Child Welfare Through Bethesda Foundation Initiative

Winpart by CFAO, in collaboration with CFAO Solidarity, has reinforced its commitment to community development and social impact by supporting the Bethesda Child Support Foundation, a gesture aimed at expanding care, education and empowerment opportunities for vulnerable children while strengthening sustainable development initiatives across the communities where the CFAO Group operates.

The donation forms part of a broader corporate social responsibility initiative designed to support organisations making measurable differences in the lives of disadvantaged people.

Through the intervention, CFAO Solidarity and Winpart by CFAO presented €7,000 and ₦1 million to the Foundation to bolster its programmes focused on child care, protection, education and holistic development.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Deputy Managing Director of CFAO Mobility Nigeria, Kunle Jaiyesimi, said the company believes business growth must be accompanied by meaningful contributions to society.

“At CFAO, we believe that business success must go hand in hand with social responsibility. Our support for the Bethesda Child Support Foundation reflects our commitment to backing initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of children and communities,” he said.

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Jaiyesimi noted that the intervention aligns with the company’s broader vision of promoting sustainable community development through strategic partnerships with organisations delivering tangible social impact.

The project is one of several initiatives selected and funded by CFAO Solidarity, the Group’s employee-led solidarity programme, which supports impactful community projects across the countries and communities where CFAO operates. Working with credible partner organisations, the programme seeks to improve the lives of vulnerable populations while driving positive and lasting social change.

Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of Winpart by CFAO, Eric Fantodji, said the company was proud to support an organisation dedicated to giving vulnerable children hope and opportunities for a better future.

“The work being done by the Bethesda Child Support Foundation is truly inspiring. We are honoured to support a cause that provides care, hope and opportunities to children who deserve the chance to build brighter futures. Through CFAO Solidarity, we are proud to be part of a wider movement supporting impactful community projects across our areas of operation,” he said.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Foundation, Olamide Adeleye expressed gratitude to Winpart by CFAO and CFAO Solidarity, describing the support as a significant boost to the Foundation’s mission.

“We are deeply grateful to Winpart by CFAO and CFAO Solidarity for their generosity and belief in our mission. This support will contribute significantly to the welfare, development, and empowerment of the children under our care,” she said.

The initiative further underscores CFAO’s commitment to sustainable development and community engagement, highlighting the value of partnerships between the private sector and social institutions in creating lasting benefits for vulnerable communities.

Through interventions such as this, CFAO Mobility Nigeria and CFAO Solidarity continue to strengthen their commitment to building resilient communities, supporting vulnerable groups and advancing inclusive, sustainable development across the regions where the CFAO Group operates.

 

Winpart by CFAO, CFAO Solidarity Advance Child Welfare Through Bethesda Foundation Initiative

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Auto Tariff Reforms Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Manufacturing Drive, NAMA Warns

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July 7, 2026

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Auto Tariff Reforms Must Not Undermine Nigeria's Manufacturing Drive, NAMA Warns

Auto Tariff Reforms Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Manufacturing Drive, NAMA Warns

The Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) has urged the Federal Government to align its 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures with stronger industrial protection policies, warning that tariff liberalisation without adequate safeguards could undermine years of investment in Nigeria’s automotive manufacturing sector.

In a policy position submitted to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and copied to the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the association said while the new fiscal measures support regional trade integration, they could weaken local vehicle assembly if not complemented by incentives that protect domestic manufacturers and encourage further investment.

The position paper, signed by NAMA Chairman, Mr. Bawo Omagbitse, and Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Harpreet Singh, commended the Federal Government for pursuing economic reforms and aligning trade policies with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also welcomed initiatives promoting locally assembled vehicles, the End-of-Life Vehicle Policy and the Vehicle Conformity Assessment Programme.

However, NAMA expressed concern that the reduced duty gap between imported fully built vehicles and locally assembled units could erode the competitive advantage required for Nigeria’s emerging automotive industry to grow.

“Nigeria’s automotive industry is still at an infant to intermediate stage. Affordability for buyers and protection for the investment that creates jobs are not in conflict, and our appeal is that the two move together,” Omagbitse said.

The association cited Nigerian Ports Authority figures showing vehicle imports increased by 67 per cent, from 35,262 units in the first quarter of 2025 to 58,870 units during the same period in 2026. According to NAMA, the sharp rise suggests importers anticipated lower tariffs on fully built vehicles even before the latest fiscal measures took effect.

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It warned that accelerated liberalisation could further increase vehicle imports, reduce local assembly volumes, weaken capacity utilisation and discourage investment in assembly plants and component manufacturing, including tyres, batteries, plastics, automotive glass and other locally sourced parts.

While reaffirming support for the government’s objectives of improving affordability, boosting revenue and promoting regional integration, Dr. Singh stressed that successful automotive nations first strengthened domestic manufacturing before opening their markets.

“Our request is simply that these gains be sequenced with the industrial incentives that every successful automotive economy put in place before opening its market,” he said.

NAMA pointed to countries such as Thailand, Morocco, South Africa and China as examples of economies that built competitive automotive industries through a combination of tariff protection, production incentives, supplier development programmes, export support and improved infrastructure before embracing wider market liberalisation.

Reviewing Nigeria’s automotive policy between 2014 and 2020, the association noted that local content development and production capacity remained below expectations largely because the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) lacked legislative backing and investors had insufficient long-term policy certainty.

To strengthen the industry, NAMA recommended restoring a wider tariff differential between imported and locally assembled vehicles, making consultation with NADDC and the Ministry of Industry mandatory before future automotive fiscal policy changes, and urgently passing the NAIDP into law.

It also proposed production-linked incentives, the establishment of an automotive supplier development fund, priority access to foreign exchange for industrial inputs, and dedicated energy and logistics support for manufacturers.

“Nigeria risks becoming a large vehicle consumption market without becoming a meaningful automotive manufacturing economy,” the association warned.

NAMA reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Federal Government, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Director-General of NADDC to ensure ongoing economic reforms strengthen local manufacturing while advancing Nigeria’s long-term industrialisation agenda.

 

Auto Tariff Reforms Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Manufacturing Drive, NAMA Warns

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FRSC, NADDC, SON to Lead Talks on Safe EV, CNG Rollout at NAJA Auto Summit

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5 days ago

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July 4, 2026

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FRSC, NADDC, SON To Lead Talks on Safe EV, CNG Rollout at NAJA Auto Summit

FRSC, NADDC, SON to Lead Talks on Safe EV, CNG Rollout at NAJA Auto Summit

Nigeria’s push towards cleaner transportation will receive a major boost on July 30, 2026 as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin; the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, and the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, headline the 3rd Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Auto Summit with strategic presentations aimed at charting a safe and sustainable roadmap for Nigeria’s electric vehicle (EV) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) revolution.

The summit, scheduled to hold at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is themed: “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration.”

It is expected to assemble senior government officials, automotive industry leaders, manufacturers, energy experts, investors, regulators and transport stakeholders to assess Nigeria’s progress in clean mobility and outline practical steps for accelerating the transition.

At the centre of the discussions will be the FRSC Corps Marshal, who is expected to unveil a comprehensive safety framework for the deployment of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles across the country.

His presentation will address critical issues such as vehicle certification, roadworthiness standards, emergency response procedures, accident prevention, technician capacity building and public enlightenment, all of which are considered essential to ensuring the safe adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles on Nigerian roads.

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NADDC Director-General Osanipin will in his keynote examine the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry within the Federal Government’s clean mobility agenda, highlighting policy direction, industrial growth opportunities and the role of local manufacturing in driving the country’s transition to cleaner transportation.

Also taking the stage, SON Director-General Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke will speak on the development and enforcement of national standards for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, batteries, CNG conversion kits, cylinders and refuelling stations. He is also expected to outline measures to eliminate substandard components from the market while strengthening consumer protection and confidence.

Complementing the safety discussions, Federal Fire Service Controller-General Olumode Samuel Adeyemi will focus on emergency preparedness for the emerging clean-energy transport ecosystem.

His presentation will centre on developing national response protocols for EV and CNG-related incidents and equipping firefighters and other first responders with the specialised skills required to manage such emergencies.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu, described this year’s edition as one of the most significant gatherings of stakeholders in Nigeria’s automotive industry, coming at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel through the promotion of CNG and electric vehicles.

According to him, the summit will serve as a strategic platform to review progress made under the Bola Tinubu administration, identify implementation bottlenecks and develop practical recommendations for accelerating the nationwide adoption of clean mobility technologies.

“The NAJA Auto Summit has evolved into a respected platform where policymakers and industry operators engage in constructive dialogue on issues affecting the automotive sector. This year’s theme reflects one of the most significant transitions taking place in Nigeria’s transport industry today,” Bisiriyu said.

He added that discussions would extend beyond government policies to include investment opportunities, infrastructure expansion, financing models, consumer awareness and the regulatory framework required to support the large-scale deployment of EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.

NAJA Chairman, Theodore Opara, said the summit comes at a defining moment as Nigeria seeks cleaner, more affordable and sustainable transportation alternatives amid rising mobility costs.

While acknowledging the country’s steady progress towards clean mobility, Opara stressed that long-term success would depend on stronger collaboration among government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure developers, energy providers and consumers.

He noted that Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves position CNG as a viable transition fuel but warned that significant investments would still be required to expand refuelling stations, EV charging infrastructure and technical support services nationwide.

He also emphasised that safety regulation, maintenance capacity and sustained public education must keep pace with the rapid deployment of cleaner vehicle technologies to ensure a seamless transition.

Industry stakeholders believe the combined presentations by the FRSC, NADDC, SON and the Federal Fire Service will provide a comprehensive blueprint for addressing safety, quality assurance, emergency preparedness and regulatory concerns surrounding EVs and CNG-powered vehicles.

The summit is expected to produce actionable recommendations that will guide policymakers, regulators, investors and industry operators as Nigeria accelerates its journey towards a cleaner, safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation system.

 

FRSC, NADDC, SON To Lead Talks on Safe EV, CNG Rollout at NAJA Auto Summit

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