CALABAR, Nigeria — A growing number of women in Cross River State are entering Nigeria’s male-dominated commercial transport sector, taking the wheel of minibuses, taxis, ride-hailing cars and even heavy-duty trucks as they seek more stable incomes and greater financial independence. A report by Vanguard (NDV) highlights how women drivers in Calabar and beyond are increasingly competing for passengers alongside men on busy city and interstate routes.
For many of the women, the move into commercial driving is driven by economic necessity rather than novelty. The Vanguard report profiles Rita Onoyom, a single mother of two who operates a minibus on the Watt Market–8 Miles route in Calabar. Rita said she initially learned to drive for personal use before turning the skill into a source of income about two years ago, first by renting a vehicle and later buying her own bus after saving consistently. Her account reflects a broader pattern in which women are using transport work to support households while balancing caregiving responsibilities. According to the report, Rita works from early morning to evening and relies on family support for childcare, underscoring both the opportunities and pressures that come with the job.
Other women cited in the report include “Aunty Iquo,” a grandmother and former teacher who turned to taxi driving after the death of her husband. After being disappointed by hired drivers who failed to make agreed returns, she renewed her licence and began driving herself. She said the work has been financially rewarding enough to help her build a house. The trend also extends to trucking. Vanguard reported the story of Ruthy, a 22-year-old truck driver hauling cement from Lafarge in Calabar to Abeokuta, who described modern trucks as more manageable than many assume and said the work offers strong pay and benefits. Her experience aligns with Lafarge Africa’s “Women on Wheels” programme, which has publicly promoted the training and employment of female truck drivers in Calabar.
Cross River has also seen visible organizing among female commercial drivers in recent years, with local coverage documenting advocacy and public support for women in the trade. A source in the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) information unit told Vanguard that road enforcement does not grant gender-based preferences: any driver on Nigerian roads must meet the same licensing, documentation and competency requirements.
As more women enter the sector, their presence is steadily reshaping perceptions of who belongs behind the wheel in Cross River’s transport economy.
