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A nationwide coalition of transport professionals under the banner Transporters for Tinubu 2027 Support Group has launched a massive grassroots mobilisation effort in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid. The movement, comprising millions of drivers, pilots, seafarers, mechanics, union leaders, logistics operators and other transport professionals, announced an extensive national structure designed to energise transport stakeholders across the country ahead of 2027.

Speaking at the press briefing in Abuja, the Convener of the movement, Prince Dr. Segun Obayendo, said the campaign emerged from a deep conviction that “when transport moves, Nigeria moves.” He described the gathering as a “meeting of every hardworking Nigerian who keeps this country moving,” emphasising that transporters remain “the heartbeat of the nation’s economy, yet too often, our struggles are ignored.”

Obayendo delivered a stark assessment of the transport sector, stressing that Nigeria’s economic progress is inseparable from the efficiency of its roads, rails, airways and waterways. He lamented the alarming rates of road crashes, noting that the Federal Road Safety Corps reported 5,421 deaths in 2024, which he described as “more than 13 Nigerians dying every day on our highways.”

He expressed concern over the rising cost of transport, which increased by 49 percent between January 2023 and January 2024, a trend he said was fuelling inflation and pushing up the cost of essential goods. He also highlighted the overwhelming dependence on road transport, pointing out that more than 90 percent of goods and passengers still travel by road, placing immense pressure on the nation’s highways.

The Convener warned that the challenges extend beyond roads. He cited 326 deaths recorded from inland waterways accidents in 2024, attributing the fatalities to overcrowding, poorly maintained boats, night travel, lack of life jackets and widespread operation of unregistered vessels. Obayendo painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s railway infrastructure, which he described as grossly inadequate for a country of over 200 million people, with just 3,505 kilometres of colonial-era tracks and 669 kilometres of standard gauge lines. He condemned pipeline vandalism, stressing that the country loses between 200,000 and 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft and sabotage, an activity he said has undermined energy security, reduced public revenue and caused extensive environmental damage.

He added that fewer than 35 percent of registered vehicles undergo proper roadworthiness tests, a key factor behind many avoidable accidents.

“These are not just numbers,” Obayendo stressed. “Each statistic represents people—transporters who risk their lives daily, passengers trapped in traffic, families losing breadwinners, communities devastated by oil spills, and a nation losing billions due to sabotage and inefficiency.” He acknowledged improvements made under the Tinubu administration, including nationwide road rehabilitation, the nearing completion of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, the revival of key rail lines and port modernisation efforts, which he described as “early steps in the right direction.” However, he insisted that more work must be done.

Obayendo clarified that Transporters for Tinubu 2027 is “not a political club, but a people’s movement.” He said the organisation aims to mobilise two million active members in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, uniting taxi drivers, truck operators, boat captains, park managers and others under a shared vision for a better transport sector.

He declared that the group stands ready to partner with the government on reforms and safety programmes, and to advocate for improved vehicle standards, better training and fair enforcement. “Let’s show that transporters are not just voters; we are builders of the nation’s future,” he said. “Nigeria cannot rise faster than its transport system. If we fix transport, we fix half of our economic challenges.”

Earlier, the National Secretary of the organisation, Mrs. Chinwe Uwaegbute, delivered the welcome address, describing the formation of the group as the coming together of a “profound sense of purpose and unity” among transport workers.

She said the movement represents one of the largest segments of the Nigerian economy, directly and indirectly employing over 12 million people and powering commerce across every region. According to her, the coalition was motivated by the “transformative impact” of President Tinubu’s policies in the transport sector.

Uwaegbute highlighted several reforms being implemented under the current administration, including the revitalisation of the Lagos–Ibadan and coastal rail projects, the federal government’s push for CNG-powered transportation, and massive investments in nationwide road infrastructure.

She also mentioned aviation reforms such as the approval for construction of a new NAMA headquarters and the concessioning of Port Harcourt airport. She said these efforts show that transportation is no longer treated as an afterthought, but as a central pillar of national development. “We have witnessed firsthand the commitment to building not just roads and rails, but a modern, integrated and sustainable transport ecosystem that connects people, powers commerce and creates opportunities for millions,” she said.

The National Secretary stressed the need for continuity in leadership. “We cannot afford to go backward,” she warned. “We cannot abandon the progress we have collectively begun. We cannot leave these foundational projects and policies in the hands of those who do not understand the language of development this government speaks fluently.”

She said the organisation has built a nationwide structure with functional desks for planning, public affairs, research and partnerships, and will deploy radio campaigns, social media outreach, town hall meetings and documentaries to tell the story of progress and mobilise supporters.

Addressing members directly, Uwaegbute declared: “This is your movement. This is your voice. This is your future.” She urged transporters to take ownership of the Renewed Hope Agenda and spread the message across motor parks, seaports, airports and rail stations. “Let it be said that when history called, transporters stood up, spoke out and moved Nigeria forward,” she said.

In closing, Obayendo delivered a rallying message to the coalition. “Let us be remembered as the generation of transporters who stood up, not to complain, but to build,” he said.