₦airaland Forum

African leaders, sorry leaders in some African countries are speaking against the UN resolution cos most of them are guilty of holding on to power undemocratically, in most cases using instrument of state to crush opposition. They are very aware that now it's Libya and Ghadafi is in the hot seat, next, stealth planes will be hovering over their skies and warship by their harbours like the eagles in the sky and the great white in the water closing in on their prey. Now guess who's been watching DSTV?

:-x

Ppl End it already! You don't want to vote GEJ go ahead vote who ever you want, the rest of us will vote GEJ. The rest of us are more than the rest of you - name callers and and tribal and religious fanatics. Voting won't be done on Nland any way but with real people with real names. Some are calling for violence, yet you are in your mansions, and your families are abroad. We are everyday people like Jonathan. Most of the people crying cos GEJ didn't  attend debate are pro BB and others already. I think you are disappointed cos Your plans to embarrass the president didn't work. Our people say the stone you see flying towards you will not hit you in the eye.  Leave the president alone, if you non want vote carry go. Even if  he does not win the election, he already a blessed man.  Now enough of Goodluck matter, and wipe your eyes, quit nagging like lil babies.

jonathan is the chosen one!

Charging us premium rate SMS and compel you to use minimum of 3 chargeable minutes to report their always epileptic services to their helpdesk
[quote][/quote]mmmmmm, I never did think about it that way.

I share your passion for a better Nigeria- all of you !. All I can say at this point is- may the best man win!

@ Dell Net. You are right if you consider that Luck is the time opportunity meets preparation. Why didn't they ask Alamiesia or something to become the Vice president and later the president.

I have dropped my opinion and that is it. I don't want to be dragged into any Presidential (or Nland) debate too. As the son of God said '' woman, my time is not yet''

Someone mentioned GEJ rose due to luck, another said he wrote WAEC twice. all I can see is stupididty and a level of hate for the president that I cannot understand. People will twist anything to smear the person of GEJ. I remember when you register for your WAEC, you can also choose to register for GCE. Now if GCE registration comes later, on your CV, the WAEC achievement will come before that of GCE. so what's the big deal?  It doesn't necessary mean you sat for the exam due to failure.

Take a good look at Buhari's CV. What happened btw 1953 and 1956. I am sure he went back to herd animals or learn auto repair for a while - for which he was later given an official stamp during his military career, or maybe still  sent parking fom his first school due to intelligent wahala. It took him 2 years to join the military after concluding his secondary education. What that tells me is that he couldn't make JAMB, so, after 2 trials, he had to opt for a military career that is much more easy as a northerner.

''Platoon Commander, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 1963-1964; Mechanical Transport Officer, Lagos Garrison, 1964-1965; Transport Company Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1965-1966; Battalion Adjutant/Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1966-1967;'' All I see here is the time it takes me to do  a B.Sc. degree in the University. I don't go around spelling out all the courses I did in my first year to final year so people could see my achievement as impressive. Part of Buhari's military career is also in the education background. My candid analysis of Buhari's CV is summed up in one word. 'opportunist'. He was prepared and the opportunity was also created for him. Opportunity due to the ethnic block he came from, rising rapidly through the ranks. Will someone from the south south , south east or south west get to where he is even though they may have started out together in the same way he did?. What is GCFR?. is it earned? the rest of the achievement I see is honorary!!!. So all na arrangee.

Take an average intelligent kid from any Nigerian home, irrespective of which part of the country he's from, He may be able to duplicate GEJ's achievements in this day and now. can we say the same about Buhari's?. The whole thing can't even be said to be luck but profitability from Nigerian tribal system that has favoured his region from the beginning of the Nigerian state. Simply, Buhari's achievement has nothing to do with hard work but the unfair measurement and grading system in the our  society that brings about disparity in the political question of who wants what, when and how. Now don't brag with it!

Hi Cita/jo

Couldn't reply your email cos of some error message I don't understand. So, I posting reply to your message here, maybe, it will also benefit some other guys on the forum.

Hi Jo,

Sorry for not replying your email on time, I have been a bit busy. The type of challenges you explained are common to all types of haulage transportation. I would advice that: Sourcing drivers, you consider the matured ones with better driving experience. Don't take their word for it that they know how to drive, but test-drive them to confirm. Most of the faults a truck experiences come from driver's inexperience with the truck or equipment. If possible look out for drivers with mechanic background. You should take decisive steps during issues and don't hesitate to see for you self sometimes. You must be ready to go on the road to verify reports.  Regarding the mechanics, once you have selected a good mechanic, register the trucks with him if the fleet is small. You could pay something like 5000 to 10000 per truck per month. So, any time the trucks have challenges, the mechanic fixes it without charging you for labour. you only buy the replacement parts and the items for fixing them. You should also get a trusted person that has a mechanic background to be your operation supervisor or manager. The person (or you, maybe, should always procure the spare for any maintenance/repair work on the trucks. You or this trusted person must be around when the trucks go for repair or maintenance to ensure that the parts are replaced indeed.

Another thing is to always take the truck down for preventive maintenance every time. Say every week. The mechanic makes checks on the vehicle to see what can be adjusted or changed before the truck goes out again. You should have a preventive maintenance program for your operations This will limit breakdowns on the road that tend to incur more costs like towing and repairs. Depending on your distance, try to service the truck once or twice monthly with proper engine oil. Also ensure you have a supplier of diesel for the trucks, don't give the drivers money to buy. They would probably buy adulterated diesel that can cause mayor havoc.

You must also try to motivate the drivers. Things like handsome renumeration, allowances upon returning from every trip , so on and so forth can go a long way to minimizing games and insincerity from drivers. One thing is also to hire very religious drivers and also ensure that the guarantors' forms are signed. It will make them behave to an extent. Don't forget to hand them road expense allowance as they go on the road.

I hope, the above tips ( I know that some of them you already know or are using) are helpful to you.

Regards,
Stil.

@ Basseti,

You are welcome anytime.

@ masco1

If you can undertake the operation (driving) on your own that would be very good. I.e if you can cope with the challenges especially for long haul. Most of these drivers have undergone apprenticeship under another driver for some 4 to 6 years before having a truck of their own to drive. It is a risky and hazardous job. long hours on the road, day and night as well as security risks are things you will have to deal with. I know of guys who started off as drivers, learnt the tricks and saved enough to purchase more trucks before retiring to manage the fleet. Now they are very successful in it. One guy was deported from Europe, the only property he met on ground was a small truck, he started driving it himself. Today, He has two trucks and two buildings. A feat he couldn't achieve while oversea.

@ Basetti

Because of the constraint of words and time this kind of internet forum is not very ideal to adequately respond to every issue raised. I have already been banned twice just trying to edit my own work cos maybe my words were too much therefore perceived as spam. Well, regarding the safeguarding of your truck investment with a view to prolonging its life span, that can be done with a proper legal agreement. For instance, we usually put in the clause of at least one year contract with any owner. If you do the math, let's say N3m tokunbo rigid box truck of 15 tons Mercedes type if properly maintained with a good preventive maintenance program will after 2 years will still look good, at maybe 200k per month from a manager, you will still end up with about N4.8m so in the second year, you would have made something on it. now, as soon as the truck starts acting up, you could still get at least 1.2m from its sale. Note: This is ideal for those trying to create an extra income stream, or gradually testing the waters with the intention  of coming fully into the industry. So, it's usually wise to start with small nos, say two trucks at a time and gradually increase the fleet. This is wise whether you are putting the truck(s) in the hand of a professional manager or setting up on your own. As for which brand, the really common one are mercedes, man diesel, man, daf, iveco etc. There are factors to consider making the buying decision. For instance, expertise for repair in the country, availability of spare parts, the type of goods or sub industry that is of interest to you, etc.

like I said, there is no way one can attend to every issue here, at least, it is not convenient for me. So, if you need more info regarding your transportation/haulage business decision.

I am reposting this:

I am a professional in the transport logistic business. I will try to respond to some of the inquiries and comments that have been of interest to me.

starting the transport-logistic business in Nigeria is a bit of a  complicated thing as there are actually many issues outside of an entrepreneur's control; such as drivers, mechanics, social infrastructure. It is best that when you draw up your business plan, try to work more with the worst case senario (if possible give a 20% mark off on the figure) to allow you run home dry at the end of the first year. There are also different aspects of the business as well as the different types of equipment/vehicles. for instance, 4 - 8 tons box truck, 10 - 15 ton box trucks, 20 - 40 ton trucks. box trucks with refrigeration unit, or flat bed. trailer with tractor unit or rigid trucks. There are also dump trucks in these categories. there are also other types and categories. So, depending on the haulage or transportation business, and also you access to capital, you can choose which truck and equipment to go for. For starters, in Nigeria, there not much regulating bottle neck as a strong entry barrier into the business unlike Europe with a lot of govt regulation regarding the driver contract including pay, the emission, the length and width of the vehicle and working hour/distance of drivers. The different goods are: frozen foods (like fish from seaport to companies' warehouse, steel, cement, flour, containerized cargo like 20/40 TEUs, manufacturing products for households, Completely Knocked down Parts for assembly in parts of the country or simply park and ship services.

In Nigeria, getting started, you must have a lot of guts. If possible, get a contract with any manufacturing/haulage  company. (cos one can get high blood pressure trying to deal with it alone). other arrangement could be purchasing the trucks and giving them to professional drivers who make use of the trucks and pay an agreed sum in return. Again this sum depends on the equipment type and capacity. An average 15 ton truck can earn about 70k weekly from drivers. However, this type of arrangement nearly always ends in disaster as the driver after some time will tell you he hasn't gone to work, bla bla bla, the vehicle is under repairs etc.

So, a second option could be to put the vehicle in the hands of professional freighters who will pay you an agreed sum at the end of the month as the case may be. In most cases, these professionals, bear the risk while the owner goes about his or her daily routine. Usually, the manager repairs, carries out preventive maintenance, as well as hire drivers. He sources for freight and the proceeds from the use of the truck takes care of the operating and other cost pay unit of truck and organisational. One could also get a contract directly from companies like NNPC, Dangote and others. However, most of the equipment solicited for are new and cost much more than than those for other types of haulage arrangement. for instance, a 12/15 tons Tok Mercedes  rigid box truck can cost up to 2.8m for V6 type, but a newer model for actross of  higher capacity may costs you up to 3 to 4 times over.

Getting into the industry on your own inspite of the challenges can also be lucrative after a hard learning curve. Pls try to understand that these challenges are not over-flogged. For instance, one owner got into the business with two 15tons rigid Mercedes box truck for long -interstate haul. Within two weeks, one got knocked no thanks to driver who don't care about the owner. The other was having some challenges, he got money from else where to put the knocked back on the road only for the second to get burnt. The first trip of the fixed truck, it gain had turbo charger got knocked. You see, that could be too much for some people to bear.

Overall, if you count the cost properly and sit on it, the business can grow and get you anything you want. There is no shortage of he services. Nigeria is a landlock country in the north. We are more 150m people and there are less than 10 seaports. there are no supporting infrastructure like rail in the country. We will always need trucks!

The poster is a professional manager and presently has a number of trucks in his company including 3 owned trucks. You may send personal inquiries concerning your haulage/transport business. Also looking to partner with professionals in the western part of the country for goods to south south, north and  eastern parts of the country. We are also into sourcing and procurement.

Pls I posted some comments on this forum, and was blocked, later unbanned but I can't still see my post

And those were the only things that you noticed about GEJ's administration? I bet Fashola should be said to be anti-developmental because Doctors went on strike (Patients died), Roads that were Supposedly repaired by him crumbled right infront of you , Mushin is yet to look like VI, Criminals still rob and assassinate people in Lagos state etc?
What is the use of you judging GEJ because the SSS, Policemen and Military men that he deployed failed to do their jobs well?
What do you want him to do about Ogun, when Ogun citizens have the right to sue their government to court for that action? You think it is just easy for GEJ to enter a state and control things. He is not a dictator.
Why are you blaming him for no development, when the excess crude oil account money that you were blabbing about was taken out, shared to states, and ministries for some developments? You seem to forget that Nigeria wanted to burn because that Money was untouched, and Nigerians questioned the need of keeping the money, calling it illegal in some cases.
What sort of development do you want to see within 9 months that have not been done? You'd be senseless to be expecting Nigeria to develop within 9 months.
Did GEJ tell you that he is a Magician? Is it even not in front of you that power supply rose to 3,800 and 4,000 MW recently due to billions of naira
investments in t he sector?
What else do you want him to do about Jos that he is not doing?
How does calling ACN Politicians rascals amount to calling Western region's leaders rascals?
Why OBJ with all his gra gra no arrest IBB and others, despite the overwhelming evidence that he had? You think it is just easy to arrest people without adequate evidence. It is not his duty to arrest people. He is not despotic. It is the duty of the security men to do that. And they arrested people for that bomb blast. You are definitely not satisfied because the people you want in jail were not arrested abi? GEJ will not do that for you.

You are not being fair. You would not even achieve anything in 2 years, apart from stealing money obviously, if you were given the same chance. You think say na moi moi to develop Nigeria. You seem not to know how deep the rot in Nigeria is.

If it is ever wise to say someone has spoken my mind. Now is the time.


Why is it that it is the Internet Nigerians that are the loudest voices in opposition to GEJ?

Could it be that they hate this country and are trying to encourage it's downfall?


You will not succeed.

And you got into my line of thought

650k?

1)They are not campaigning
We have just 5 weeks to the elections and I can't see any sign of Buhari campaigning anywhere in Nigeria . He hasn't visited any states in the south or middle belt. No rallies whatsoever. Does he think everybody reads newspapers or have internet connection?? Ruralites which constitute the real voters in Nigeria have never heard about CPC. How are they going to give him votes. How is the farmer in Isale Egan, Arochukwu or Gbaramatu going to vote a Buhari he has has never heard about? Jonathan on the other hand is travelling everywhere despite the fact that he has the required visibility already

True analyses. I would say that this is perhaps the first time I am seeing a sincere analysis of  the big picture of Nigerian politic and indeed the 2011 election without bias. The point above can also be traced to the loss of ogboru in the Deltan gubernatorial rerun election. While Udiaghan was busy campaigning, Ogboru was in Lagos doing God knows what. Now He wants to go to court. Most of Buhari supporters in the north are already threatening fire and brimstone if Buhari loses (although they say if he's rigged out ) Lets face the fact (especially the ones given by papabrown) There is no Buhari in Aso rock in 2011. In the south, few people know of CPC and it seems those who know about CPC in Lagos are only those literate enough to read, or rich enough to pay for internet subscription and who were not so sure of Nigerian poll's credibility (whether elections will be free and fair) or were either abroad then or now therefore didn't register.

Every point given by the initiator of this discourse is a very valid one.  To also add to point of Bakare now desperatly courting men of God he has earlier rubished in the pages of newspaper, like papa Adeboye, and Daddy Oyedepo- during his visit to Aso rock to pray for late Yar'adua. Even if these men of God forgave and forgot, some followers will not forget. He will understand one of the wisdom keys of Mike Murdock- '' if you fail in life, it will be because of someone you have chosen to dishonour''

I am begining to think otherwise about Nairaland.was it created to be an Anti GEJ forum? Please someone should let me know.
Some negative elements here keep embarking on Destructive criticism on the Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic,when they can not even run their own homes.If i may ask, which Presidential Candidate has a 100% track record in the past and present?You are all entitled to your opinions,keep it to yourselves and let us have peace.You think you can change anything by opening up your gutters on NL? Why dont you just Wait and vote for your choice candidates in April and stop Making Nairaland annoying and Boring.GEJ FOR PRESIDENT 2011-PEOPLES CHOICE.


Most of these guys never said anything about the candidates until Pastor Bakare got into the race. So I won't be surprise that majority of those calling for the head of the president are Bakare's church members, ethnic sensitive westerners, and those who are neither here nor there. according to my calculation, if the BB group got a boost after Bakare joined in the race, 90 percent of those who seem to be in the fore front of the crusade to discredit GEJ on this forum and others around the country don't have voters cards. Nobody can curse who the Lord has blessed. I made up my mind many months ago on voting Jonathan, as a matter of fact that's why I registered. I can tell you there are many people who feel the same way about this guy. It is the usual style of the BB group of mouth bashing and so forth.

I always tell people politics in practice is not the same as in theory. There is no perfect state neither are there perfect politicians  anywhere. Either you dip your hands in the dirt or the people around you do it for you. You must get your hands dirty one way or the other. Examples are late Ali of defunct Bendel state, Wole soyinka, even Bakole that we thought brought change from oversea and a youth at that, or is it the woman or got enmeshed in the politics of furniture allowance. pple look well, the devil you know is better than the angel you don't know so goes the saying. GEJ for 2011. I rest my case.

950k! get back pls.

:-x