In a bid to challenge traditional norms, Nigerian women are taking the wheel as commercial drivers. Amaka Okoli, a 38-year-old mother of three, is one such example.
From Banker to Bus Driver
After losing her job as a banker in Lagos, Okoli became a bus driver three years ago. She begins her day at 5:30 am, navigating the chaotic streets of Lagos to transport passengers.
“It was rare to see a female commercial driver in Lagos, but now it’s changing because we need to make money,” Okoli said.
Empowerment Behind the Wheel
Despite the challenges, Okoli has found a sense of empowerment behind the wheel. “I feel like I live two lives. One is being a bus driver where I must be bold and call out to passengers, and the other is the quiet life of a homemaker who tends to her husband and children.”
Economic Downturn Drives Change
The rise of women commercial drivers in Nigeria is linked to the economic downturn, according to Samuel Odewumi, professor of transport planning and policy at Lagos State University.
“Families can no longer depend on a single income, and in some instances, women have become breadwinners, and that has led to them exploring occupations that were culturally assigned to men,” Odewumi explained.
Women Make Inroads in E-Hailing Sector
Women are also making inroads in the e-hailing sector, with companies like Uber and Bolt. Victoria Oyeyemi, president of the Ladies on Wheels Association of Nigeria (LOWAN), noted that the group has grown from six members in 2018 to over 5,000 today.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the modest income, Okoli acknowledges that the job has its challenges. “Due to the strenuous nature of the job, I only drive seven trips, and so the money is not enough to meet my needs — but it’s better than remaining unemployed,” she said.
As Nigerian women continue to break barriers in the transportation sector, they are redefining traditional norms and paving the way for future generations.