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

Published

2 years ago

February 13, 2025

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.”

Related Topics:ABC Transport Frank Nneji Jude Nneji

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NIWA, LASWA, SIFAX, Dangote Transport Lead Stakeholders for 2026 TCAN Summit

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1 day ago

August 25, 2026

Trends Admin

NIWA, LASWA, SIFAX, Dangote Transport Lead Stakeholders for 2026 TCAN Summit

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), SIFAX Logistics and Dangote Transport are among leading government agencies and private-sector operators that have confirmed participation in the 2026 Transportation Summit of the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN).

The summit, scheduled for September 24, 2026, at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, transport operators, development partners, academics and other stakeholders to examine how transportation and logistics can be leveraged to accelerate Nigeria’s economic growth.

Themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Growth Through Transportation Logistics,” the summit is expected to focus on critical issues affecting the efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability of Nigeria’s transportation and logistics ecosystem.

According to the TCAN Chairman, Tola Adenubi, discussions will centre on strategies for improving logistics infrastructure, strengthening policy implementation, enhancing safety and innovation, and promoting sustainable development across the sector.

He said the summit would examine the current state of Nigeria’s transportation logistics architecture, with particular attention to roads, waterways, rail and aviation.

“Participants are expected to identify bottlenecks affecting the seamless movement of cargo and passengers and examine how multimodal transportation integration can contribute to economic expansion,” Adenubi said.

He added that other key areas would include investment opportunities across the logistics and supply-chain ecosystem, digital transformation of the logistics value chain, infrastructure financing and public-private partnership opportunities.

Adenubi said stakeholders would also examine regulatory frameworks needed to optimise the transportation sector and develop policy recommendations capable of improving efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

According to him, the participation of NIWA, LASWA, SIFAX Logistics and Dangote Transport underscores the growing commitment of both government agencies and private-sector operators to finding practical solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria’s transportation industry.

The summit is also expected to provide a platform for government representatives to present ongoing reforms, infrastructure investments and policy initiatives aimed at improving intermodal connectivity, particularly the integration of waterways with road and rail transportation.

Adenubi said the participation of key government agencies and industry players would provide stakeholders with first-hand insights into the government’s transportation agenda while creating an avenue for meaningful dialogue among policymakers, operators and the media.

The 2026 TCAN Summit will feature keynote presentations from government officials and industry stakeholders, alongside networking sessions designed to strengthen collaboration and partnerships across the transportation and logistics value chain.

Discussions will cover critical challenges and opportunities in road, rail, maritime, aviation and multimodal transportation, with emphasis on how an integrated transport system can improve cargo movement, passenger mobility and economic productivity.

TCAN will also recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s transportation industry through its “Champion of Transport Industry Development” compendium.

The association said the summit is expected to generate practical recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s logistics architecture and positioning transportation as a more powerful engine of economic growth.

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EXEED to Storm Nigeria’s Premium Auto Market in December, courtesy of Versat

Published

3 days ago

August 23, 2026

Trends Admin

EXEED to Storm Nigeria’s Premium Auto Market in December, courtesy of Versat

Nigeria’s premium automotive market is set for a new entrant as Versat Automobile Limited prepares to introduce EXEED, the premium mobility brand of Chery Automobile, to the country in December 2026.

The arrival of EXEED is expected to further intensify competition in Nigeria’s fast-evolving premium vehicle segment, with the brand bringing together advanced technology, distinctive design and contemporary luxury under its global philosophy, “Born for More.”

According to Versat, EXEED is designed for consumers who seek more than conventional mobility and are driven by a desire for greater possibilities in life, career and personal achievement.

Drawing on Chery Automobile’s extensive research and development capabilities, the brand is positioned at the intersection of sophisticated design, intelligent technology and premium driving experience—qualities Versat believes align with the expectations of Nigeria’s increasingly discerning automotive consumers.

General Manager, Sales, Versat Automobile Limited, Christopher Irumudomon, described the planned entry as a significant development for the company and Nigeria’s premium automotive market.

“The arrival of EXEED represents an exciting new chapter for premium mobility in Nigeria,” Irumudomon said.

“We are looking forward to introducing Nigerians to a brand that challenges convention, embraces exploration, and is truly Born for More.”

Ahead of the December launch, Versat said it would unveil more details about EXEED, including its technology, design philosophy and performance capabilities, as anticipation builds towards the brand’s official Nigerian debut.

EXEED is Chery Automobile’s premium automotive marque, developed around intelligent technology, sophisticated design and an enhanced driving experience. Guided by its “Born for More” philosophy and Spirit of Exploration, the brand seeks to combine advanced automotive technologies with distinctive styling and a forward-looking approach to premium mobility.

The Nigerian launch also represents a new phase in Versat Automobile’s expansion in the local automotive market.

Established in 2024, the company commenced its Nigerian market operations in 2026 with C&C Trucks, focusing on performance, durability, quality, reliability and customer support.

With the introduction of EXEED, Versat is now positioning itself to play a more prominent role in Nigeria’s passenger vehicle market, particularly the growing premium segment.

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CBN Governor, NADDC DG to Lead LCCI Debate on Vehicle Financing as Alternative to Fuel Subsidy

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4 days ago

August 22, 2026

Trends Admin

CBN Governor, NADDC DG to Lead LCCI Debate on Vehicle Financing as Alternative to Fuel Subsidy

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Joseph Osanipin, are among key stakeholders expected at a high-level symposium examining whether vehicle financing can provide a sustainable alternative to fuel subsidy as a tool for improving mobility in Nigeria.

Organised by the Auto Sectoral and Allied Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the one-day symposium is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at the Henry Fajemirokun Hall, LCCI, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Themed “From Subsidy to Credit: Can Vehicle Financing Replace Fuel Subsidy as Nigeria’s Mobility Equalizer?”, the event will bring together stakeholders across the automotive, financial and transport sectors to examine how affordable credit can expand vehicle ownership, support fleet renewal and reduce the burden of rising transportation costs.

The organisers said the removal of fuel subsidy and its impact on transport costs had made it imperative to rethink how mobility could be made more affordable and sustainable.

Rather than relying largely on interventions aimed at keeping fuel prices low, the symposium will examine whether a robust vehicle-financing ecosystem can enable individuals, transport operators and small businesses to acquire vehicles through affordable and sustainable credit arrangements.

Discussions will focus on automotive lending, leasing, fleet renewal and the role of banks, development finance institutions and other financial players in expanding access to vehicle ownership.

The symposium is also expected to interrogate major barriers to automotive financing, including high interest rates, short loan tenures, foreign exchange pressures, high vehicle prices, credit risks and the limited availability of financing products tailored to Nigeria’s automotive market.

Chairman of the LCCI Auto Sectoral and Allied Group and Deputy Managing Director of R.T. Briscoe Nigeria Plc, Dr Femi Eghuaikhide, said the symposium was coming at a critical time when Nigeria needed to rethink how mobility could be made accessible to a wider population.

“The question before us is no longer simply how to make fuel cheaper, but how to make mobility more affordable and sustainable for Nigerians. Vehicle financing has the potential to become a powerful mobility equalizer if we can develop the right credit structures, realistic repayment terms and strong collaboration between government, financial institutions and automotive industry stakeholders.”

Eghuaikhide said the symposium would provide a platform for stakeholders to move beyond identifying the challenges and develop practical financing solutions capable of supporting vehicle ownership, public transportation and the growth of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Symposium Organising Committee and Chief Operating Officer of Bras Motors Limited, Austin Akpovili, said the event was designed to generate practical and actionable solutions.

“We are bringing the right stakeholders to one table because mobility is not only an automotive issue; it is an economic issue. Our objective is to examine how access to affordable vehicle credit can transform the lives of individuals, transport operators and businesses, while creating a stronger and more sustainable automotive ecosystem for Nigeria.”

Akpovili said participants would also have the opportunity to examine existing financing models and identify innovative approaches to make vehicle acquisition accessible to a broader segment of the population.

The event is expected to attract automobile manufacturers and dealers, commercial banks, development finance institutions, leasing and insurance companies, transport operators, government agencies, policymakers and other stakeholders across the automotive value chain.

Beyond vehicle ownership, experts will examine how affordable financing could accelerate the renewal of Nigeria’s ageing vehicle fleet, improve public transportation and stimulate demand for locally assembled vehicles and locally manufactured automotive components.

The LCCI Auto Sectoral and Allied Group has traditionally used its annual symposium to bring government, business leaders, financial institutions and automotive stakeholders together to address critical issues confronting the industry.

With this year’s theme shifting the conversation “from subsidy to credit,” the symposium is expected to examine whether Nigeria can move from short-term consumption support to a sustainable financing model that promotes asset ownership, productivity and economic empowerment.

The organisers said recommendations from the symposium would be presented as possible policy and industry solutions for making vehicle financing a stronger component of Nigeria’s broader mobility and economic development strategy.