Bus drivers and vehicle owners in Anambra State have renewed their call for the state government to conduct democratic elections that would allow genuine transport operators to take charge of their unions. They argued that the future of the sector depends on leadership emerging from within its ranks.
The leaders of Anambra Bus Drivers Forum (ABDF) made the call on Tuesday when they paid an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Edward Ibuzor, in Awka.
Leading the delegation, Convener of the forum, Comrade Osita Obi, said transport operators were seeking government support to reclaim the administration of their unions from what he described as “professional unionists” who neither own buses nor earn a living through driving.
According to him, those who bear the daily burdens of the profession should be the ones making decisions about the welfare and future of drivers.
“We are presenting the real stakeholders in the transport sector — people who own buses and drive them every day.
“These are the individuals who understand the realities on the roads and contribute directly to the state’s economy,” Obi said.
He argued that the continued dominance of non-drivers in union affairs had denied transport workers the opportunity to effectively organize for their welfare, security and professional development.
Obi maintained that leadership of transport unions should emerge strictly from among practicing drivers and vehicle owners.
He insisted that those without direct involvement in the profession lack the experience and commitment needed to address drivers’ concerns.
Echoing the position, President-General of Owners and Drivers in Anambra State, Mr. Chinedu Moulokwu, urged the government to ensure that only genuine operators contest and occupy leadership positions within transport unions.
He said the transport sector would function more efficiently if drivers elect leaders who truly understand their challenges.
Commissioner’s response
Responding, Commissioner for Transport, Mr Edward Ibuzor, acknowledged that several groups had approached his office claiming to represent transport workers across the state.
He, however, stressed that the welfare of drivers and their families remained the government’s primary concern.
The commissioner assured the delegation that the state government would not support any arrangement that sidelines genuine drivers or allows outsiders to dominate the affairs of transport unions.
He noted that drivers face numerous occupational risks, including accidents and financial hardship, making it imperative to establish a welfare-focused structure capable of providing support when needed.
According to him, consultations would continue to develop a framework that protects drivers’ interests while ensuring stability within the transport sector.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Obi said the visit also served as an opportunity to congratulate the commissioner on his appointment and formally request the conduct of elections for drivers’ unions.
He alleged that some individuals presenting themselves as stakeholders were primarily interested in collecting money from drivers under the guise of welfare contributions without delivering meaningful benefits.
Obi argued that democratic elections would not only strengthen accountability within the unions but also boost government revenue by encouraging more drivers to register formally and join the tax system.
He further highlighted the role drivers could play in enhancing security across the state.
Obi noted that transport operators interact daily with thousands of passengers and are strategically positioned to identify suspicious movements.
According to him, a properly structured union would also improve discipline among drivers and reduce frequent clashes between transport workers and traffic enforcement officials.
Increased vulnerability
Drivers, he said, have become increasingly vulnerable due to the absence of a transparent and accountable union structure capable of providing support during emergencies such as accidents, illness or death.
Also speaking, former President-General of Drivers in Anambra State and current leader of interstate drivers, Mr. Obinna Alusiobi, accused professional unionists of controlling the transport system for more than 15 years through handpicked leadership arrangements.
He alleged that such practices had prevented drivers from freely electing representatives and had weakened welfare programmes intended to support members.
Alusiobi argued that transport unions should function as genuine welfare organizations capable of assisting drivers and their families during difficult times.
Beyond union leadership, drivers also appealed to the government to address what they described as persistent harassment by traffic enforcement agencies, police units and street touts.
Moulokwu expressed optimism that the commissioner would intervene and help create a more conducive operating environment for transport workers.
For the drivers, the demand is simple: allow those who steer the wheels of Anambra’s transport system to steer the affairs of their unions.
They believe that transparent elections, accountable leadership and stronger welfare structures will improve the lives of drivers.
It will also contribute to economic growth, public safety and a more efficient transportation system across the state.
