From TCNEWS

As Nigeria’s transport sector grapples with poor infrastructure, rising operational costs, and regulatory gaps, the Director of Riversjoy Travels and Tours Limited, Mr. Nze Edozie Godwin, has called for urgent national reforms to support drivers, passengers, and companies navigating a turbulent economic landscape.

Speaking in Umuahia during an interactive session with members of Unity Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State Council, Mr. Edozie stressed the pressing need for improved federal investment in road infrastructure, the regulation of spare parts markets, and stricter professional standards for commercial drivers across the country.

“We are not just talking about the business of transportation. We are talking about the safety of human lives. The state of our roads and the cost of maintaining vehicles are getting worse,” he warned.

Edozie’s transport career began in the early 1980s as a small business owner. As the cost of acquiring new vehicles skyrocketed, he turned to a franchise model, which allows individuals or entities to operate under the name, standards, and system of a larger transport brand in exchange for a share of revenue or licensing fees. He became the fourth person in Abia State to enter such a model with the Abia State Transport Corporation.

His career later expanded to PHALGA Transport and Rivers Transport Company (RTC), where he served as Umuahia’s station agent for over two decades, earning multiple awards for integrity and service excellence. In 2020, following the temporary closure of RTC by then-Governor Nyesom Wike, Edozie and others co-founded Riversjoy Travels and Tours, which has now operated for five years, servicing routes across southeastern Nigeria.

Edozie emphasized that many of the risks facing transport companies stem from poor road conditions, which contribute to frequent vehicle damage, tyre blowouts, and prolonged travel times. He commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for what he described as “massive and aggressive” road rehabilitation projects, calling on other state governors to emulate the approach.

“Bad roads lead to broken shock absorbers, bent axles, worn-out tyres, and excessive fuel consumption. When roads fail, vehicles and passengers pay the price,” he said.

He added that rising inflation has made the cost of tyres and spare parts nearly unaffordable, forcing many operators to rely on second-hand tyres, despite the safety risks. Edozie advised motorists to check expiry dates when buying used tyres and stressed the importance of vehicle inspections.

In a strong call for professionalism, Edozie advocated for mandatory driver literacy, regular training, and stricter oversight of driver licensing procedures. He urged government agencies to avoid issuing licenses to unqualified applicants, noting that corruption in the process poses a threat to public safety.

“A driver who can not read road signs or understand traffic rules endangers everyone. We must stop licensing incompetence,” he said.

At Riversjoy, he said, drivers are continuously trained in speed management, handling of waybills, and road etiquette. The company discourages speeding and rewards drivers annually for safe driving performance.

He credited the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) with improving national safety culture but reiterated that the agency cannot be held responsible for Nigeria’s poor road conditions.

He noted that Prof. Wole Soyinka was indeed instrumental in the founding of FRSC during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida in 1988.

Acknowledging the financial challenges of the sector, Edozie expressed discomfort over fare hikes, saying operators are often forced to increase ticket prices due to economic realities. He called on the Federal Government to intervene by supporting the transport sector through regulatory relief and targeted subsidies.

He also revealed that Riversjoy has implemented insurance policies covering passengers, drivers, and vehicle owners and is working toward establishing retirement benefits for its drivers.

“We are still growing, but safety and dignity for our drivers remain our top priority,” he affirmed.

This visit sheds light on broader systemic issues in Nigeria’s road transport sector, through the lens of a local business leader navigating decades of change. It emphasizes the urgent need for government investment, regulatory discipline, and sector-specific support to safeguard the lives of millions of daily commuters and operators.

Also Edozie’s story also illustrates how leadership, innovation, and ethical standards can drive growth even in challenging economic environments, offering a model that other operators and policymakers can learn from.

Edozie expressed gratitude to the NUJ’s Unity Federated Chapel for nominating him as a Patron, a role he described as “an honour and a call to deeper collaboration with the media.” He emphasized the important role journalists play in highlighting national issues and promoting public welfare.

Earlier in their remarks, Comrade Chidi Asonye, Chairman of NUJ Abia State Council, and Comrade Tina Ikwegbu, former Secretary of NAWOJ Zone C, praised Edozie’s contributions to transportation safety and commended his leadership values.

Mr. Uchenna Agba, Park Manager at Riversjoy, thanked the media team for their visit and hailed the patronship nomination as well-deserved.