Road transportation in Nigeria remains the primary and most cost-effective means of travel for a significant percentage of the population. While alternative modes of transportation, such as trains and airplanes, exist in the country, road travel is the preferred choice for many Nigerians. Despite being regarded as the most reliable means of transportation, concerns about road insecurity have raised apprehensions among travelers. However, shifting entirely to air travel or other options is not feasible for every Nigerian. To address these security concerns, many Nigerians now rely on reputable transport companies to ensure their safety during road travel.
While numerous transport companies operate in Nigeria today, there are a select few that are widely recognized as reliable and preferred by travelers. In this article, we will explore these top road transport companies, their history, services, and the reasons behind their popularity.
History and Background
God Is Good Transport Company (GIG), formerly known as God is Good Motors, began providing road transport services to the Nigerian public in 1998. The company’s founder, Mr. Edwin Ajaere, initiated a rebranding project in 2009, which was led by the current Chairman and CEO, Mr. Chidi Ajaere. The rebranding aimed to establish a new brand image with international appeal, distancing itself from the local perception of transport companies being controlled by touts. By 2015, the company had completed its rebranding efforts and unveiled a new logo and a model terminal in Lagos. GIG boasts a fleet of over 500 buses, including the modern Mercedes Shuttle Buses.
Geographical Presence
GIGM’s headquarters is located in Edo state, specifically in Benin City. The company has a strong presence in over 13 states across Nigeria, with approximately 33 terminals situated throughout these states.
Awards and Recognition
GIGM has received several awards for its top-level services. Some of the awards won by the company in recent times include:
Founding and Growth
GUO Transport is another well-established transport company in Nigeria, founded by Chief Godwin Okeke shortly after the Nigerian-Biafra Civil War in 1970. Chief Okeke’s journey into the transportation business began when he transported passengers between Adazi-Ani and Nnewi, covering a distance of 12 kilometers, in his parents’ Peugeot 404 saloon. This initial venture into passenger transport proved successful, and Chief Okeke gradually expanded his operations, eventually purchasing a Volkswagen Combi bus for trips from Onitsha to Lagos and two Mercedes 911 vehicles for haulage, marking the beginnings of GUO Transport.
Geographical Coverage
GUO Transport has become one of Nigeria’s reputable and reliable transport companies. Its buses traverse the South-East, South-South, South-West, and some extend their routes to the Northern part of Nigeria.
Inception and Growth
ABC Transport, officially known as Associated Bus Company Plc, was established on February 13, 1993. This wholly Nigerian-owned transportation company has its headquarters in Owerri and holds the distinction of being the only mainstream road transport service company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since December 20, 2006. The company was founded by Mr. Frank Nneji, who continues to serve as its CEO and Managing Director. ABC Transport operates in various segments, including haulage services, sprinter operations, cargo services, shuttle service, coach operations, hospitality service, and trading.
Impressive Fleet and Routes
ABC Transport operates a fleet of over 500 vehicles and serves as many as 35 travel routes and destinations, with approximately 1,200 daily trips. Notably, ABC Coach West Africa Routes extend to Togo (Lome), Benin Republic (Cotonou), and Ghana (Accra). This enables Nigerians to travel to these neighboring countries by road using ABC luxury coaches, offering affordable fares, only requiring an international passport and a yellow card.
Recognition and Partnerships
ABC Transport holds a Gold Corporate Partner status with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Nigeria, which awarded the company as the pioneer luxury bus operator in 2015. With its extensive network and top-notch services, ABC Transport remains a prominent player in the road transport industry.
Foundation and Expansion
Peace Mass Transit (PMT) was founded by Dr. Samuel Maduka Onyishi in 1993 during his undergraduate days at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He started the business with just two buses, and by 1999, as he completed his studies at the University of Nsukka, his fleet had grown to approximately 45 vehicles. By 2016, PMT had an impressive fleet of about 4,000 buses, with approximately 2,000 of them in daily operation. In recent years, the company introduced an additional 50 buses, which were assembled at the newly completed PMT Vehicle Assembly Plant.
Safety Measures
PMT was an early adopter of speed limiters, beginning installation as far back as 2009. According to the company’s founder, this proactive measure resulted in a 50% reduction in accidents involving PMT buses. These safety initiatives have contributed to PMT’s reputation as a dependable transport provider.
Origin and Diversification
Chisco Transport Nigeria was established in 1981 by Chief Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu (MFR). The brand initially operated as a micro auto parts retailer before venturing into full-time transportation. Today, Chisco Transport has diversified its operations, including the logistics and courier arm of the business.
Geographical Reach and Affordability
Chisco Transport covers all geopolitical zones in Nigeria and maintains a diverse fleet, comprising buses, luxury vehicles, and Siennas, catering to a wide range of customer needs. The company is known for its affordability, making it an attractive choice for many Nigerians. Chisco is a registered transportation company in Nigeria, and its drivers are trained to adhere to road safety rules.
While there are other reliable transport companies like Ifesinachi Motors and more that have a long history in the industry, the companies listed above have achieved mainstream recognition in Nigeria and are highly regarded. They have earned their reputation through consistent service quality, commitment to safety, and wide-ranging route options. For those planning a road trip in Nigeria,
