Nigerian Women Take the Wheel: A New Era in Lagos
As the sun rises over Lagos, a new generation of women takes the wheel, defying traditional norms and carving out a niche in the transportation sector. Amaka Okoli, a 38-year-old former banker, is one such trailblazer. After losing her job, she turned to driving a commercial bus, a decision that changed her life and reflects a broader shift in the Nigerian economy.
Breaking Barriers in the Transportation Sector
Okoli drives a “Danfo” bus, a staple of Lagos’s chaotic transit system. These bright yellow buses carry millions of passengers daily. Okoli starts her day early, at 5:30 am, to catch the morning rush hour. She finishes by late afternoon, balancing her role as a driver with that of a mother to her three children.
Women like Okoli drive economic change. Nigeria’s economic crisis has led to a spike in living costs, forcing families to rely on multiple incomes. Consequently, women have become breadwinners, exploring occupations once considered off-limits. For instance, they are now venturing into the male-dominated transportation sector.
Challenges and Triumphs
Drivers in Lagos face a chaotic traffic system, competing fiercely for passengers. Meanwhile, female drivers face additional challenges, from competing with male counterparts to dealing with frequent police stops and fines. Nevertheless, many commuters prefer buses driven by women, citing cleaner vehicles and safer driving practices.
Samuel Odewumi, a professor of transport planning, notes that the rise of women commercial drivers is closely linked to the economic downturn. “Families can no longer depend on a single income,” he says, “and women have become breadwinners, exploring occupations that were culturally assigned to men.” Furthermore, Nigerian women actively drive this shift, highlighting their resilience in the face of adversity.
Empowerment Through E-Hailing
Beyond the public bus sector, women are making inroads into the e-hailing industry with companies like Uber and Bolt. The Ladies on Wheels Association of Nigeria, founded in 2018, now boasts over 5,000 women drivers. These women share business strategies, provide financial support, and avoid working late hours to reduce security risks. Additionally, they support each other through savings groups.
Driving Change
Despite financial challenges, many women find stability in this uncertain economic landscape. For Okoli and others like her, the job is not ideal but offers a better alternative to unemployment. “Due to the strenuous nature of the job, I only drive seven trips,” Okoli says, “and so the money is not enough—but it’s better than remaining unemployed.” Moreover, this sense of purpose drives them forward.
Nigerian women drivers are actively trained to combat human trafficking. This initiative highlights the crucial role women in the transportation sector play in addressing societal challenges. In fact, they are instrumental in identifying potential traffickers or victims of human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic challenges, the story of women like Amaka Okoli serves as a testament to resilience and determination. They are not just driving buses; they are driving change in a rapidly shifting workforce. Ultimately, their journey is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of adversity, women can take the wheel and steer their lives towards success.
