₦airaland Forum

mikeapollo:
Good idea, but before you start, it is advisable you know or do a few things:
(1). Consult and attach yourself to some of the companies who are already into the business
(2). If possible, go on 2-3 trips with them to experience what happens on the road for practical experience.
(3). Make sure your car is in very good shape and the documents are always complete 100%. Also get very good extra tyres like 2.
(4). For a start, avoid passengers with contraband goods. Ensure you know what they are carrying in their luggage if you don't want to face problems. Most passengers smuggle goods but they may not tell you, so you have to be very careful.
(5). Get your passport, yellow card, ECOWAS travel document, international driving licence, etc. complete and always up-to-date. The French countries do not joke with documents.
(6). You have to always give something (tips, bribe) at the border and road blocks as you travel. Make sure you hold smaller currency denominations on your trip. The Nigerian officers collect more bribes than others.
(7). You have to be very current with the exchange rate between Naira, Cedi and CFA so that you don't make mistakes
8. Try and learn some French language. It will help you very well to communicate as you travel along the route
(9).Night journey is usually faster (less traffic) but you must know the terrain very well before you start. The journey is about 10-12 hours
(10). ALWAYS OBEY TRAFFIC RULES e.g. traffic light. They will seize your vehicle and penalize you HEAVILY if you violate traffic rules in Benin, Togo, Ghana. They are NOT like Nigeria.
(11). Be VERY POLITE and FRIENDLY when you talk to the immigration and police officers of those countries.
(12). The French immigration and police officers (especially Togo) are the strictest and most difficult to deal with. They don't listen or accept apology when you commit an offence and beg them.
(13). Get some connection with workers in the other big transport companies e.g. Chisco, GUO, GIGM etc. so they can be sending passengers to you.
(14). Make sure you are very reliable and keep to time. Most passengers want a driver that will keep to time.
(15). Be aware that petrol price is very expensive in those countries.
(16). ALWAYS be LAW ABIDING when you travel. Dont go to these countries with the Nigerian attitude of breaking the law and rude behaviour.

These are the few things that I can remember for now.
I wish you all the best.

SmartPolician:
@Deerahone

I think you should focus on Interstate travels within Nigeria. You will hardly get the answers you need on this forum.

International movements within the African subregion come with a lot of headaches... immigration, police, customs, etc. In fact, you need to have personnel in Benin, Togo and Aflao clearing your passengers.

That's what I think.

bamosagie:
Documentation is very important, your vehicle papers must be up to date.
You will need appropriate stickers for commercial vehicle in Ghana
You will need agents at all the borders (NIgeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana)
You will need accomodation in Ghana
Knowledge of French language is an advantage because custom in Benin and Togo do not hide their bias against Nigeria
You must learn the art of patience and humour.....
Ghanaian Police dey collect Egunje at strategic points so long as your vehicle is with Nigerian number (you will need to disembark, go to them and roger at those points) or you will face serious gbege at the next check point.
All in all, its a worthy venture and you will learn as you go.
Learn from others who have been plying the route.
Join their union (very important).

efemena5050:
DONT DO IT........SIMPLE ....if u go ahead u will come back to this comment years to come..... transport business only look good outside untill when u start it ...then u realize uve entered the zone where everything wants to work against u ......Go watch people playing draught u will see them missing opportunities but once u sit on that chair to play ...u now get to understand their nightmare.....once again don't ...

1Alex:
you did not mention why he should not engage. Tell why, we also want to learn

foodlum:
Whoa! Are you a mind reader?? I have been planning something similar for the past 1 year but with a slight twist....importing the Greyhound Bus models (used here in the US for Coast to Coast passenger transport) to Nigeria to ply the Lagos to Abidjan route. These buses are extremely rugged decades-tested and proven bad ass workhorses. Equipped with the unkillable V-8 Detroit Diesel engines mated with the rock solid 8-speed/10-speed Allison Transmissions, they are guaranteed to run almost 1 million miles before needing an engine overhaul.

I already purchased the first fully air conditioned 55 passenger coach bus and plan to incrementally buy more. But I have no clue where and how to get trustworthy, level headed, honest, well experienced and God-fearing drivers to drive the buses. So I have suspended plans until I can get drivers with these qualities. I concluded that getting these type of drivers is the cornerstone pillar to success of this venture. Any thing less is courting disaster from Day 1. My plan is to pay each driver N1 million a month as an inducement and encouragement to incentivize them to give their moral and professional best to the job.

If anyone has any idea how to execute this project, please reach out.

foodlum:
Whoa! Are you a mind reader?? I have been planning something similar for the past 1 year but with a slight twist....importing the Greyhound Bus models (used here in the US for Coast to Coast passenger transport) to Nigeria to ply the Lagos to Abidjan route. These buses are extremely rugged decades-tested and proven bad ass workhorses. Equipped with the unkillable V-8 Detroit Diesel engines mated with the rock solid 8-speed/10-speed Allison Transmissions, they are guaranteed to run almost 1 million miles before needing an engine overhaul.

I already purchased the first fully air conditioned 55 passenger coach bus and plan to incrementally buy more. But I have no clue where and how to get trustworthy, level headed, honest, well experienced and God-fearing drivers to drive the buses. So I have suspended plans until I can get drivers with these qualities. I concluded that getting these type of drivers is the cornerstone pillar to success of this venture. Any thing less is courting disaster from Day 1. My plan is to pay each driver N1 million a month as an inducement and encouragement to incentivize them to give their moral and professional best to the job.

If anyone has any idea how to execute this project, please reach out.

Deerahone:
I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.


Please make una help a brother.

foodlum:
Whoa! Are you a mind reader?? I have been planning something similar for the past 1 year but with a slight twist....importing the Greyhound Bus models (used here in the US for Coast to Coast passenger transport) to Nigeria to ply the Lagos to Abidjan route. These buses are extremely rugged decades-tested and proven bad ass workhorses. Equipped with the unkillable V-8 Detroit Diesel engines mated with the rock solid 8-speed/10-speed Allison Transmissions, they are guaranteed to run almost 1 million miles before needing an engine overhaul.

I already purchased the first fully air conditioned 55 passenger coach bus and plan to incrementally buy more. But I have no clue where and how to get trustworthy, level headed, honest, well experienced and God-fearing drivers to drive the buses. So I have suspended plans until I can get drivers with these qualities. I concluded that getting these type of drivers is the cornerstone pillar to success of this venture. Any thing less is courting disaster from Day 1. My plan is to pay each driver N1 million a month as an inducement and encouragement to incentivize them to give their moral and professional best to the job.

If anyone has any idea how to execute this project, please reach out.

efemena5050:
Grab ur sit and call others to come cuz ur about to be let into the complexities of civil society aspect that often lead to the palpitations of the gentle mind and the lack of indiscretions of the calm individuals.Transportation business is a mirage that only look to deceive u with fantasy in terms of growth, capital accumulations,and perceive wealth and diversification but the sad reality comes In when ur in and that's when u realize why peter shouted and called for Jesus help when he found out he was standing in the sea and not gutter having jumped in with exhuming confidence.Transportion business is supposed to be the escape route of failures and people who want to quickly make corrections in their financial woes with quick diversification on point but in reality they can never be able to summout the hideous externalities that prevail and pervade over the business....... ranging from greedy lazy touts who want to leech on ur pains
.

Bizmind95:
Why not leave far Ghana that is three countries away and start with Cameroon which is just over the border from Cross River if you're really serious o. Besides Sienna can only carry a maximum of 9/10 passengers. So just reason how much the passengers will be willing to pay you that won't finish on the road after you don drop "something" finish at the dozens if not hundreds of Checkpoints from Lag through Benin through Togo to Ghana. Also bear in mind that the passengers have the option of using all those big ABC Transport Coaster Buses which can carry as many as 50 or even more passengers sef. So of course the Coaster Buses will be far less cheaper than Siennas, and travellers will always prefer cheaper options. So bro, l will advice you to try Cameroon or other "hot" interstate routes, that's it you're serious o. But if you need other lucrative bizness ideas, then just holla at me, l've got some for you.

Kasdat5:
Why Nigerian - Ghana ?
What motivated you ?

Skydivine:
The ground clearance for those US buses is much lower than what Nigeria roads can accommodate. If you have observed well, the luxurious buses used for long distance travel in Nigeria Ike from east to Lagos have higher clearance from the ground. They are specifically made and most of them are from Brazil not US.
Put this into consideration.

Gotocourt:
You can also consider manufacturing. Look for a product that's imported and manufacturer locally 📌💯

Gotocourt:
I advise you invest that money in mutual funds, commercial papers and Treasury bills. There's the dollar option, don't say I didn't warn you 🤷.

foodlum:
Thanks for the heads up my dude

bamosagie:
Every business have its hazard, your record is in profit and loss account. That you envisaged a challange does not mean you will abandon the business. Instead you do your risk analysis and profer solution to mitigate issues identified.
If the farmer keep looking at the weather he would never sow his seed. challanges would come and you will deal with it... No point discouraging someone trying to put his finances in order.

Holluwhakemmy:
Ask Sonnobax15 he will give you all the analysis you need, he was into this kind of business before

Holluwhakemmy:
Ask Sonnobax15 he will give you all the analysis you need, he was into this kind of business before

Deerahone:
I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.


Please make una help a brother.

kentokay71:
oluwakemi, you are funny

OlawaleBammie:
U know him deledele?

Or have u dated him before?

SlavaUkraini:
OP, you are seeking advice in the wrong place.

Go to Mile 2 Area (Action Base) and ask your questions.
[/b]i s
That is where you currently have a make shift park for the Transport of people and goods from Lagos to Ghana. (The place is currently under government construction)

[b]There are plenty of drivers there that will give you valuable insights into the business you are about to start

They will tell you for free what it takes to succeed in the business.

They will tell you how to navigate immigration hurdles as you start your business..

They will tell you the roads to avoid in your journey

And as usual, you will have to join their Union if there is one, so that you can be recognized as a member.

Go there and you will get the answers you seek.

Good Luck.

Deerahone:
I am planning to start a commercial transportation business with 2006 sienna from Lagos to Ghana.

I did some analysis with chatgpt but I want a human analysis also.

People around this business, what should I know?

I need hands on advice. Ground no level again.


Please make una help a brother.

Deerahone:
turn over in one month is up to ₦1 million

Holluwhakemmy:
rara o. Ko ribe

jmichael259:
If you never buy the motor, better use the money buy pickup 🛻 truck or use the sienna like that find people that are into haulage or delivery.
Carrying goods is 100× better than passenger transport. Before you wait turn finish, fly highway dodge gunmen and accident, V.I.O, Road safety, council agbero etc person way carry condemn Volvo pickup or Dyna go just dey within his community dey make 100-300k whereas expenses no go reach 50

Kasdat5:
Lol .. 🤣
How many trips per week ?
Where to load passengers to & fro.
Other factors , union , immigration etc .

Below is a clear breakdown of logistics I included, with costs and the profit for one round trip.

1. Revenue
a. Fare per passenger = ₦90,000.
b. Passengers = 7.
C. Revenue per trip = 90,000 × 7 = ₦630,000.


2. Distance and fuel
a. One-way distance Lagos to Accra = 465 km.
b. Round trip distance = 930 km.
c. Fuel efficiency (loaded highway) = 9.0 km/l.
d. Fuel needed = 930 ÷ 9.0 = 103.333 litres.
e. Fuel price = ₦950 per litre.
f. Fuel cost = 103.333 × 950 = ₦98,166.67.


3. Border, permit, and cross-border fees.
a. Customs, permit, transit fees and related charges per round trip = ₦120,000.


4. Tolls and internal road charges
a. Tolls inside Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana per round trip = ₦10,000.


5. Driver expenses
a. Driver allowance, food, lodging per round trip = ₦60,000.


6. Other trip costs included
a. Loading/unloading incidental costs, minor local fees = included in the figures above where relevant.


7. Costs excluded by your instruction
a. Vehicle maintenance, union fees, monthly fixed costs are not included.
b. Vehicle insurance and paperwork not included unless you want them added.


8. Total expenses per trip
a. Fuel ₦98,166.67 + Border/tolls/permits ₦120,000 + Internal tolls ₦10,000 + Driver expenses ₦60,000 = ₦288,166.67.


9. Profit per trip
a. Revenue ₦630,000 − Total expenses ₦288,166.67 = ₦341,833.33.



Result
Profit per round trip = ₦341,833 (rounded).

femi4:
Don't go there if you're not going to drive yourself

SlavaUkraini:
OP, you are seeking advice in the wrong place.

Go to Mile 2 Area (Action Base) and ask your questions.

That is where you currently have a make shift park for the Transport of people and goods from Lagos to Ghana. (The place is currently under government construction)

There are plenty of drivers there that will give you valuable insights into the business you are about to start

They will tell you for free what it takes to succeed in the business.

They will tell you how to navigate immigration hurdles as you start your business..

They will tell you the roads to avoid in your journey

And as usual, you will have to join their Union if there is one, so that you can be recognized as a member.

Go there and you will get the answers you seek.

Good Luck.

Deerahone:
just once a week, to and fro. I asked AI to calculate, excluding all fixed monthly payments like, vehicle maintenance, union membership etc. Below is the analysis for a return trip. (just go to Ghana and come back to Lagos once a week.

Success is yours as you start these new phase .
Keep us updated . You can as well open a dairy like I did . Strength to you .