Truth be told, Lagos is the most difficult place to commute in Nigeria and a notorious state full of reckless driving. Vehicle breakdowns, endless traffic jams, and constant dealings with inefficient transport services have become a lifestyle in the ever-bustling city of Lagos. One would start to think that the daily grind excites the majority.
Then came the messiah, Frank Nneji (the founder and CEO of ABC Transport Plc), who saw the need for a safe and comfortable transport system service in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. The constant discomfort he experienced during his business trips within the city was an eye opener for him that just like him, most are searching for a better way to navigate Lagos and its ‘wahala’. This led to the eventual launch of The Associated Bus Company (ABC) in 1993.
This offers a glimpse into ABC’s goal and the services it has delivered over the years, which, according to many, was superb. ABC transport operates within and outside Lagos, covering destinations like Abuja, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Kaduna, Aba, Lokoja, Onitsha, even Accra, Ghana, and the Benin Republic. Ever traveled across Nigeria seeking a peaceful journey, chances are you’ve come across ABC Transport or at the very least heard of it. But like the common saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, ABC’s great success story started with a single step— five mini buses embellished with the reindeer logo.
A Brief Look At Its Genesis
Talking about ABC Transport’s success story and why and how it became one of Lagos’s most trusted transport services would be incomplete without taking a short ride back to its genesis.
Launched as an offshoot of Rapido Ventures by Frank Nneji in 1993, ABC Transport Plc was set to offer reliable, safe, and luxurious transport services nationwide. Before its eventual expansion beyond the shores of Nigeria to Ghana, it started operations on February 13, 1993. The late 1990s and early 2000s became the most active period of ABC Transport. In 1993, the brand had established a strong presence in Lagos, starting with Jibowu and Festac, and gradually, Nigeria at large. Strategic locations were picked, locations that had close proximity to residential areas, business districts, and expressways.
Why is ABC Transport different?
In an overcrowded city where there’s an unlimited stream of people, ABC remained a force to be reckoned with when it came to road travel.
The company focused on how people were moved instead of just moving people. This shift in focus rendered ABC Transport unique among others. ABC’s success in Lagos is attributed to the trust it built with customers, the comfort it rendered beyond the usual, and the credibility it established regardless of the tough standards of the city
Their credible services covered a wide range of options; whether you’re trying to navigate Lagos traffic or journeying from Lagos to Abuja or Owerri, ABC offered nothing short of safety, comfort, and a timely experience.
A Travel Experience Out of the Usual
ABC created a brand new experience for passengers, which went beyond just moving them from one point to the other. It offered a variety of services, from full air conditioning, In-bus LCD TV screens to keep passengers entertained, charging ports, to reclinable seats, refreshments on premium routes, more luggage space, and more leg room. Also worthy of note is the friendly and uniformed ABC staff ensuring a luxury travel experience.
You can agree that it’s a long way from the usual uncomfortable rides you might be accustomed to.
Key Terminals That Served Better
Situated around major hubs in Lagos like Ojota, Jibowu, and Festac, ABC’s Lagos operations presented passengers with easy access. Furthermore, these terminals bred a clean and organized atmosphere, making it easier to board a trip in the absence of the constant chaos typically attributed to bus parks in Lagos.
Is ABC Transport Still Meeting Expectations?
According to many, no. ABC Transport has undergone some major setbacks over the years. Here’s Why:
Some passengers have reported that the buses are no longer as clean, fast, or reliable as they once were. Mechanical issues and delays have become more common on certain routes.
Recent reports have been raised concerning ABC Transport operations. Some passengers have aired their views, reporting ABC’s failure to uphold its former status as most of their buses are now unclean, slow, unreliable, and constantly faulty.
The recent years have witnessed a surge in the number of transport companies that seem to have surpassed ABC Transport in delivering seamless services, like God is Good Motors (GIGM) and Peace Mass Transit. With the increased competition, a larger percentage of people continue to seek modernized services that new competitors offer, compared to ABC Transport, which has fallen short of expectations. Complaints are; inefficient customer service, delay in trips, and refunds.
Let’s face it— the current economic challenges of the country have had negative effects on every transport company, and ABC isn’t excluded. These issues, such as rapid inflation in fuel prices and bad roads, have made maintenance a difficult chore.
For basic travel or comfort across the country, ABC remains a solid option. But if you’re looking for premium service, other brands might be your go-to option.
On the flip side, ABC Transport isn’t down and out. Despite these major setbacks, ABC still operates widely across the country, not only as a transport company, but also as a cargo and logistics company with fairly competitive prices and long-term customers that remain loyal. Much effort is never ceases to be invested into structure and safety, giving more respect to its brand legacy.
ABC continues to undergo tech enhancements, and this is evident in the areas of online booking, route updates, and mobile support for customers.
No doubt, ABC evolved from being a small operation to a major player. This journey tells the story of one filled with great eyesight, resilience, and efforts to reinvent, and offer a major shift from the nerve-wracking status quo to a brand new experience that’s memorable. A major lesson to be learnt from being a Lagosian is that a brand that completely understands its customers and is determined to rise above the chaos and challenges will always find a way to win.
The big question is, can ABC Transport continue to create a seamless travel experience like it did in its golden age?
