The Transporters for Tinubu 2027 support group has officially launched its Drivers’ Care Initiative in Abuja.
The launch held at Jabi Motor Park, Abuja, mark the beginning of a comprehensive outreach programme designed to uplift transport workers
The initiative focuses on three core areas: free eye testing and care, sensitisation of commercial drivers on drug abuse, and access to soft loans through the Transporters Cooperative Society.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, National Coordinator of Transporters for Tinubu 2027, Prince Segun Obayendo, described the initiative as a gesture of appreciation for the critical role transporters play in Nigeria’s economy.
“We recognise them as the soldiers of transportation, the backbone of movement in this country. Without them, the economy would grind to a halt. Today is about giving back, taking care of their eyes and health without costing them a dime. It is our way of saying thank you for keeping Nigeria moving,” Obayendo stated.
He further disclosed that the programme would expand nationwide, with simultaneous outreach across all 36 states and the FCT between now and June.
Obayendo emphasised the structured nature of the transport sector, noting that the group’s grassroots presence positions it to deliver substantial political impact.
“We are not just targeting the road sector. Two days ago, I engaged operators on the inland waterways in Warri. Every transporter matters. Our goal is to ensure safety, longevity, and well-being across all modes of transport,” he added.
Obayendo also revealed plans for a 10-million-vote mobilization drive for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, asserting that the transport community possesses the numerical strength to be a decisive force in the upcoming polls.
In her remarks at the flag-off ceremony on Thursday, Program Coordinator Mrs. Chinwe Uwaegbute emphasized that the programme was designed as a practical intervention to address health and welfare challenges confronting transport operators.
“Transportation remains central to national development, and at the heart of this system are our drivers who work tirelessly to keep our economy moving. However, the demands of their profession often expose them to health challenges, fatigue, and welfare concerns that directly affect road safety,” Uwaegbute stated.
She highlighted the critical role of eye health in accident prevention, noting that while drivers are often confident once familiar with routes, such confidence must be supported by regular medical checks. “Today’s programme is here to ensure the eyes remain open and the body remains healthy,” she added.
Uwaegbute further stressed that sustainable road safety requires strong collaboration among agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside transport unions and private sector partners.
She described the initiative as aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, which prioritises human capacity development and social responsibility across all sectors.
The Programme Coordinator expressed optimism that the Abuja flag-off would serve as a model for similar interventions nationwide, calling on stakeholders to replicate the template in their respective domains.
“We are starting here in Abuja, but the vision is to cover every motor park across the 36 states. Our drivers deserve to be healthy, safe, and supported,” she said.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) used the occasion to issue a stark warning to commercial drivers, revealing that 50% of road accidents in Nigeria are linked to drug abuse.
Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), FCT Chapter, Alhaji Musa Saidu, commended President Tinubu’s policies, recalling interventions such as the 50% passenger fare reduction during the last Christmas season and the provision of intra-city and interstate Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.
The Drivers’ Care Initiative is expected to run concurrently across multiple states in the coming months, with plans to engage union leaders and grassroots structures in delivering health services and mobilising support for the Renewed Hope agenda.
