As the city remains in a state of slumber and the sun has not yet appeared above the continuously lively streets of Lagos, Molue drivers are...
As the city remains in a state of slumber and the sun has not yet appeared above the continuously lively streets of Lagos, Molue drivers are already traveling, taking passengers to their different locations.
Weekend Trust states that Molue, a widely used mode of transport in Lagos, which is slowly disappearing, has been much more than just buses, serving as a vital link for millions of travelers in the region.
Molue drivers encounter various difficulties every day – ranging from maneuvering through busy roads in the heat or rain to handling tough passengers and the unstable condition of the buses. Their profession is far from simple.
However, despite the difficulties, they continue to be dedicated to their role of transporting passengers to their different locations.
Facing the infamous traffic conditions in Lagos, loud passengers, and the ongoing challenge of keeping their buses in working order, life for both drivers and conductors is a continuous battle. Nevertheless, operators acknowledged that the vibrant period of Molue was a unique chapter in Lagos' history.
"It was an era filled with thrill and exploration. We were young and earning a living doing what we cherished. It was stylish to operate the Molue bus," one driver mentioned.
Although buses might be slowly disappearing, the recollections and tales of the drivers who operated them continue to live on in the experiences of passengers.
A 65-year-old Kareem Adisa, who had been employed on Molue buses for more than 15 years, revealed that the industry was highly profitable during the 1980s and 1990s.
"During busy times, we could earn as much as N50,000 to N70,000 daily. That was a significant amount of money back then. We managed to support our families and put money into business ventures," he mentioned.
Adisa credited the popularity of Molue buses with their affordability and dependability. Citing Fela Kuti, he mentioned: "59 people will be seated while 99 others are standing. The buses were inexpensive and available to ordinary Lagos residents."
We filled the buses to their maximum limit, yet individuals would still cling to the doors and windows. It was an organized yet disorderly method of transport.
Another operator, Jimoh Salami, shared Kareem's views: "I worked on Molue buses for more than 12 years and managed to purchase a house and support my children's education. I also established a store for my wife in the city center, Idomota."
It was demanding, but it was rewarding. We used to work from sunrise to sunset. Occasionally, we encountered challenging passengers. However, it was all worthwhile in the end.
Although the Molue buses may no longer be in service, their impact continues. Several of the drivers who operated these buses have since established their own transport companies, providing inter-state services, while others have directed their efforts towards different business opportunities.
As Lagos keeps changing and expanding, it's evident that Molue buses will forever be recognized as a key element in the city's history and progress.
"Although the Molue buses may no longer be around, the memories and the lessons we learned from them will remain with us forever," Adisa said.
However, Muyideen Salako mentioned that the life of a Molue driver was not enjoyable, as their daily income varied between N5,000 and N10,000; therefore, many found it difficult to cover their expenses.
He stated that individuals who earned significant profits were the bus owners. "Bus owners would remain at home or in union offices while drivers toiled on the roads every day," he mentioned.
He expressed sorrow over the current high price of fuel, along with the ongoing requirement for car upkeep, which significantly reduced their earnings, leaving them with almost nothing to feed their families.
He added, "Being a Molue driver involves personal sacrifices. Extended periods on the road result in less time with loved ones. The physical strain of the work affects our well-being, and the ongoing pressure of dealing with busy traffic can be very stressful."
Nevertheless, he mentioned that although they encounter difficulties, Molue drivers continue to be strong and take pride in their job.
We have become accustomed to the roads in Lagos. During the 1980s and 1990s, passengers would gather at road sides and bus stops each morning and at the end of the workday, waiting for the arrival of the 'King of the Road.'
"To genuine Lagos residents, waking up to discover the main roads devoid of yellow buses was an indication of trouble ahead," he said with a laugh.
He mentioned that Molue drivers are the unrecognized heroes of Lagos' transportation network, offering essential services to millions of passengers, some of whom have since become successful entrepreneurs.
While discussing his initial experiences in Lagos with some students from the Tony Elumelu Foundation Graduate Management Accelerated Programme, the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, shared, 'I was living in Ojuelegba, and to reach work in the morning, I would take the well-known mode of transport, which is the Molue.'
The "King of the Road" from Lagos becomes extinct
According to Weekend Trust, the once common Molue is quickly vanishing from the city's transport system due to urbanization, which has limited their operations to specific routes. Currently, they can only be found in areas such as Agege, Iyana Ipaja, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ikorodu, and a few other locations.
For many years, these vibrant and large buses served as the main mode of transport for countless Lagosians, known for being cost-effective and dependable. Yet, as newer and more advanced transportation options emerged, like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and LAGBUS, the appeal of Molue started to decline.
The Lagos State Government's initiatives aimed at fostering a more structured and eco-friendly transport system also played a role in the reduction of Molue.
In recent years, the state government has introduced measures designed to eliminate Molue, citing issues related to safety, environmental effects, and traffic jams. The prohibition on key routes leading to Lagos Island has also sped up its decrease.
Currently, the once-bustling Molue industry is but a remnant of its previous glory. Numerous buses have been taken out of service, while others have turned into waste.
A small number of operators are finding it difficult to remain operational, as they face growing competition from newer and more effective transport methods.
Similar to Tony Elumelu, some Lagosians might fondly recall the Molue period, while others embrace the transformations in the city's transport system.
"At the time, Molue was an unavoidable necessity. I'm pleased we now have improved alternatives," said a Lagos resident.
Although it could mark the conclusion of a significant period, it also signifies a fresh start for travelers.
Lagosians share experiences
For numerous people in Lagos, the Molue bus was not only a means of getting around but also an exciting journey. Some locals recounted their stories.
Ekene Ilo remarked, "I recall how bus drivers would drive quickly and the conductors would hang onto the doors, yelling at passengers to create a bit of space so he could squeeze in. It felt like something from a film."
He mentioned that the most intriguing part was the scene of hundreds of passengers attempting to find room inside the already packed buses.
"You would feel fortunate if you avoided getting hurt or your clothes ripped by the sharp parts of the bus while trying to enter the moving container," he added.
Another inhabitant, Chidi Obi, remembered a very terrifying incident: "We were crammed together like sardines as the bus sped along. I feared we would all end up in a ditch somewhere. When I finally reached my destination, I let out a breath of relief."
A person who introduced himself as Yekini also stated, "It was always an exciting experience. You never knew what would happen next."
Jide Oke recalled, "There was a moment when I was trapped between two big women and I couldn't breathe. The smell coming from their sweaty underarms was so bad I almost threw up. I thought I was going to lose consciousness."
However, even with the discomfort, numerous residents used the buses as their main way to travel. 'It was cost-effective and took you where you needed to go,' Obi James also mentioned.
The buses were also recognized for their colorful appearance and energetic environment. James mentioned, 'They were consistently painted in vivid yellow and black hues. The drivers would call out the destinations for passengers.'
Several locals remembered the difficulties of having street vendors and beggars consistently on the buses.
Emmanuel Okechukwu remarked, "It was irritating, yet it was simply part of the journey."
Tunde Adeyemi also stated, "Molue buses represented the perseverance and ingenuity of Lagosians. Although they might have been somewhat crude, they fulfilled their purpose effectively."
Operators share their stories
In recent times, several ex-Molue operators came together to exchange their experiences and recall the past. They discussed the significant earnings they achieved, the obstacles they encountered, and the strong sense of unity that was present among them.
An operator who preferred to stay unidentified stated, "We earned a significant amount during the Molue period. On a prosperous day, I could earn as much as N50,000, which was considerable money at that time."
Alhaji Agba stated, "The days were consistently hectic in Molue's time. My bus was typically full to the brim. I could always manage several journeys; and by the end of the day, I would earn a significant amount."
Leaders of NURTW remember the chaotic times
Officials from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the Agege region of the state recounted tales of brutality, gang conflicts, and street brawls that previously characterized the union. They described how they managed to deal with the dangerous environment of bus terminals and the transport sector.
As stated by a leader who only introduced himself as Samshudeen, the initial period of the union was characterized by fierce competition among various groups and gangs, frequently resulting in violent confrontations.
He described how these disputes often spread into the streets, creating disorder and affecting the lives of other people living in the area.
"It often involved struggles for dominance—different groups attempting to overthrow each other. The chaos would result in a path of bloodshed and loss of life," he said.
A leader who opted to stay unidentified recounted his experience in a brutal clash between competing gangs at a motor park, stating, 'It was like a battlefield. We used whatever we could grab - sticks, rocks, even shattered bottles.'
Another official who introduced himself as Lekan discussed how union leaders frequently resolved conflicts via street brawls, with the victor gaining authority over profitable motor parks and transport routes.
He also recognized that those violent times were mostly in the past; and credited the change to a set of reforms and initiatives aimed at making the union more professional, along with greater collaboration with police departments.
"Currently, the NURTW has transformed into a more organized and formalized group, with an emphasis on advancing the well-being of its members and enhancing the transportation industry in Nigeria," he further stated.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
