BY MIKE OCHONMA
ABC Transport has been providing safe, comfortable, and reliable transportation and logistic services to millions of Nigerians and beyond since beginning operations February 13, 1993.
With just two buses, on Diamond Bank (now Access Bank) loan, it has grown to become a household name in the transportation industry, with a fleet of over 500 vehicles and a network of over 60 locations across the country.
ABC has also expanded operations to other African countries such as Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic.
Founded in 1993 by Mr. Frank Nneji, OON; a visionary entrepreneur with a passion to delivering world-class transportation services to Nigerians, ABC Transport began operation with just two buses with a vision to revolutionize the transportation industry in Nigeria.
With a reputation for innovation, excellence, outstanding safety records and excellent customer experience, Mr. Nneji’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have been the driving force behind the company’s success.
Over the past 30 years, ABC Transport has achieved numerous milestones which has contributed to its success and growth. One of its earliest milestones was introducing luxury buses with on-board restroom facilities, television, air conditioning and other amenities; and offered on-board refreshment.
These effects offer a high level of comfort to passengers and made ABC the first transport company in Nigeria to offer real luxury Coaches to its customers.
It has also been credited for being the first and only road transport company to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and has also been recognized for its outstanding performance in the transport industry, winning several awards and accolades both nationally and internationally. ABC Transport was first to establish ultramodern Terminals in Nigeria and beyond.
It rolled out Coach West Africa on July 16, 2004 with new state-of-the-art fleets featuring the most modern coach service in the West African sub-region. The services brought West African countries closer than ever imagined and stimulated ECOWAS integration in terms of travel, tourism and trade.
Also Driver Training Academy (DTA), aanother offshoot of ABC graduated its first set of trainees in 2004.
DTA 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 Commission.
In 2007, ABC Transport introduced the online booking platform, making it easier for its customers to book their trips and pay online from the comfort of their homes and offices.
The mobile app was subsequently introduced to enhance self-service.
ABC has since continued to expand its services with a focus on diversification.
Today, it stands to be the most diversified Transport company in West African sub-region; having launched a hospitality arm with City Transit Inn in Utako to serve Abuja travelers; Logistics and warehousing with its Cargo Express and Haulage services with ABC Hauls.
ABC Cargo Express, which started as a division of the company, 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 space. The company moves hundreds of thousands of packages around West Africa. ABC Cargo Express is empowering many businesses with its dedicated e-commerce services.
Cargo Express also offers warehousing services to enhance the supply chain demands of some major manufacturers.
ABC Hauls plays a major role in the haulage space; being one of Lafarge Cement plc’s major transporter for the distribution of Cement around the country.
In 2012, ABC set out to begin Motor Vehicle assembly with its 50 percent stake in Transit Support Services Ltd, which is into assembly of Heavy and Light duty trucks with its flagship brand.
These brands are the Shacman (fire trucks etc.) & Forland Trucks, Asiastar luxury buses and Baw mini buses and ambulances.
TSSL offers sale of automotive parts.
In a statement issued by Frank Nneji, managing director and chief executive of ABC Transport plc, “As we mark the 30th anniversary of this great company, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to our customers, stakeholders, partners, and employees for their unwavering support and loyalty over the years. We remain committed to providing excellent and innovative transportation services that meet the needs of our customers and are looking forward to the future. In commemoration of our 30th anniversary, we have lined up several activities and events, including customer and staff appreciation events that demonstrate our commitment to our customers and the communities we serve”.
Speaking about the future of the company, Victor Nneji, group Head, innovation & strategy, shared optimism of the company’s resilience to continue to innovate and serve Nigerians and Africans at large.
In his words: “As we look towards the future, one thing is certain: the possibilities are endless. With advancements in technology and a commitment to innovation, we are confident that our business will continue to provide safe, reliable, and efficient service to our valued customers for many years to come”.
Having done business in Nigeria for 30 years, ABC has faced multiple head winds from all corners of the environment. It is highly commendable that ABC Transport Group has not only stood the test of time, but has maintained its spot as a top player in the Travel and Logistics industry.
When applause travels faster than hunger