The Southeast has a rich history of producing some of Nigeria’s most prominent transport and logistics entrepreneurs. Over the decades, these businessmen have invested heavily in trucks, buses and other vehicles, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods across Nigeria and beyond, while contributing significantly to commerce, employment generation and economic development.
In the years following the Nigerian Civil War, transport companies such as Oriental Line, Ekene Dili Chukwu, Chidiebere Transport and Umeano Motors became household names. From the 1990s onwards, operators such as Young Shall Grow Motors, Ekeesons, ABC Transport, Peace Mass Transit, Izuchukwu, Osondu, Daily Express Motors, Ifesinachi and GUO further expanded the sector, establishing formidable brands in Nigeria’s road transportation industry.
Despite the numerous challenges confronting the industry, including deteriorating road infrastructure, rising operational costs, insecurity and the persistent threat of kidnapping along major highways, the entrepreneurial spirit that built these businesses remains alive.
One of those determined to make his mark is Ogbunike-born lawyer and entrepreneur, Barrister Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, who has ventured into the transport and logistics sector with the launch of Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics.
In this interview with DR. UCHE NWORAH, Iwuchukwu discusses the inspiration behind his latest business venture, the influence of his mentor, his plans to revolutionise customer service, the challenges facing the transport industry and his ambitious vision of building one of Nigeria’s leading transport brands within five years.
Why did you decide to swap the wig for what some might describe as an ‘agbero business’?
Thank you very much, sir, for this opportunity. I consider it a great honour.
Entrepreneurship has always been part of my life, right from my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days.
In 2011, while serving in Abuja, I was already involved in buying and selling perfumes and jeans. I regularly travelled by night bus to Onitsha to purchase goods for resale. So, venturing into business is not something new to me. It has always been part of who I am.
The transport and logistics sector is an important contributor to Nigeria’s economy. Beyond moving people and goods, it creates employment opportunities and supports countless businesses and households.
My primary business at the moment is consulting. However, consulting has its limitations in terms of the number of direct jobs we can create.
With Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics, we have an opportunity to create significantly more employment opportunities and positively impact many Nigerian families.
Over the years, the transport industry has evolved considerably. What was once largely perceived as an informal business dominated by agberos and traditional operators has increasingly attracted educated professionals and entrepreneurs who are introducing modern management practices.
Companies such as Libra Motors and God Is Good Motors have demonstrated how innovation, technology, professionalism and customer-focused service can transform the industry.
We intend to learn from these successful models, adapt their best practices and build a transport company that can compete favourably with established operators.
What unique value will Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics offer passengers that distinguishes it from existing operators?
Our philosophy is simple: Every passenger deserves to be treated like a king or queen.
Customers are the reason businesses like ours exist. Without them, there would be no transport company.
Unfortunately, passengers are sometimes treated as though operators are doing them a favour by transporting them. We want to change that perception.
At Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics, customer satisfaction will be central to everything we do. We intend to provide passengers with excellent service, comfort, respect and genuine value for their money. Our goal is to make every passenger feel appreciated and valued throughout their journey. We believe that when customers are treated properly, they become loyal to the brand and willingly recommend its services to others.
The transport sector faces enormous challenges, including poor road conditions, insecurity and kidnapping along major highways. How do you intend to navigate these difficulties?
We are fully aware of these challenges, and we carefully considered them before deciding to venture into the industry. Poor road infrastructure, insecurity and other operational difficulties are serious concerns for every transport operator in Nigeria.
However, we also recognise that established operators are continuing to expand their fleets and grow their businesses despite these challenges. That tells us that opportunities still exist for determined entrepreneurs who are prepared to plan properly, innovate and manage risks.
We have therefore decided to take the bold step of entering the market rather than allowing these difficulties to discourage us. Of course, we remain hopeful that the government will intensify efforts to improve road infrastructure and address the security challenges affecting transportation across the country. A safer and more efficient road network will not only benefit passengers but will also enable emerging operators like us to grow faster, create more jobs and contribute more meaningfully to the economy.
Did you receive mentorship or guidance from any of the established transport operators before embarking on this venture?
Yes, absolutely. I have been privileged to enjoy a close relationship with Dr. Sam Onyishi, the founder of Peace Mass Transit, for about ten years.He has been a client, mentor and elder brother to me.
Interestingly, when we established our consulting business about ten years ago, Dr. Onyishi was our very first client. That relationship gave me the opportunity to observe him closely and learn from his remarkable entrepreneurial journey.
Over the years, I have watched him build and manage a highly successful transport brand. I have also observed the challenges he encountered, the decisions he made and the lessons that emerged from both his successes and setbacks. Those experiences have been invaluable.
We intend to bring the knowledge, insights and practical lessons gained from years of mentorship under him into the management of Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics.
Dr. Onyishi has since stepped away from the day-to-day transport business to concentrate on his legacy project, Maduka University, Enugu. I sincerely hope that what we are building with Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics will make him proud.
One of the major complaints against commercial bus drivers is the practice of carrying unauthorised passengers, popularly called ‘attachments’, often to the inconvenience of legitimate passengers. How do you intend to discourage this practice?
We will operate a strict no-attachment policy. Any driver found carrying unauthorised passengers along the road will face immediate dismissal.
We are determined to establish a culture of discipline, accountability and professionalism from the outset. Passengers will also be encouraged to report any driver who violates this policy through our official communication channels. We want our customers to become active partners in maintaining the standards we have established.
When passengers pay for a journey, they deserve to travel without unnecessary delays, overcrowding or the inconvenience of drivers making unauthorised stops to pick up additional passengers. Customer satisfaction is not just a slogan for us. It is a commitment we intend to demonstrate through our daily operations. Our customers will always remain at the heart of everything we do.
Finally, what other thoughts would you like to share, particularly regarding your vision for Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics?
Thank you very much, Ezeudo. Before I conclude, please permit me to share something personal. I don’t know whether you realise this, but I grew up reading your articles and those of my Oga, Fred Chukwuelobe.
As a young boy, I regularly visited the post office in Onitsha to read newspapers. Those experiences helped shape my interest in public affairs, business and the media.
I particularly looked forward to reading your contributions in The Sun newspaper, where you often signed off as Dr. Uche Nworah, a staff member of Globacom.
Those were memorable days for me. It is therefore a great honour to be interviewed by someone whose writings I admired while growing up.Thank you for your contributions to journalism and the media industry over the years. You have certainly written your name in the sands of time.
Now, back to our new project, I see Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics as more than just another transport company. For me, it represents a new generation of entrepreneurs stepping forward to build on the foundations laid by those who came before us. I believe ours is among the pioneering transport ventures being established by entrepreneurs of my millennial generation, and I want it to inspire other young Nigerians to explore opportunities in sectors traditionally dominated by older businesspeople.
At the same time, we recognise and appreciate the sacrifices, courage and achievements of the older generation of transport entrepreneurs who paved the way for us. Their stories demonstrate that with vision, discipline, hard work and perseverance, it is possible to build enduring businesses in Nigeria.
Our ambition is bold but achievable. We want Ifeyinwa Transport and Logistics to become Nigeria’s number one transport brand within the next five years. We understand that this will require enormous dedication, strategic planning, excellent customer service and continuous investment.
But we are prepared to put in the work., and, by God’s grace, we believe we will achieve it.
