As the 2025 Christmas travel season reaches its peak, the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON) has issued a formal assurance to the public, outlining a multi-faceted strategy to address the dual challenges of safety and capacity. This move comes in response to heightened security concerns on Nigerian highways and an unprecedented surge in road travel demand.
In a joint statement released in Lagos and signed by National President Mr. Samuel Ezeh and Secretary Mr. Frank Nneji, ALBON acknowledged the acute anxieties of the travelling public. The association confirmed it is actively collaborating with multiple security agencies—which typically include the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army at checkpoints, and possibly the Department of State Services (DSS)—to deploy enhanced security protocols along major interstate corridors. This collaboration likely involves coordinated patrols, intelligence sharing on known flashpoints, and discreet security personnel on select routes.
Beyond security, ALBON addressed the critical issue of capacity and vehicle integrity. The statement revealed that members have undertaken significant fleet renewal, investing in brand new large and medium-capacity buses. Crucially, they emphasized a rigorous maintenance schedule for older vehicles to ensure mechanical reliability, a key factor in preventing road accidents caused by vehicle failure. This proactive approach is a direct effort to combat the poor state of many commercial vehicles on Nigerian roads.
However, the association also highlighted a major external obstacle: crippling gridlock. ALBON made a direct appeal to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to implement special interventions to manage the expected traffic chaos. They warned that without such intervention, travellers face excessively long and frustrating journeys. This gridlock is exacerbated by a record-breaking shift from air to road travel, driven by skyrocketing airfares that have priced out a significant segment of the traditional flying public.
In preparation for this “perfect storm” of high demand and operational challenges, ALBON members have not only upgraded hardware but also trained their on-board crews and ground support staff to handle seasonal pressures. The statement concluded with festive greetings and a reminder to passengers to practice personal safety consciousness—advising on vigilance, secure handling of belongings, and compliance with operator instructions.
This coordinated response from ALBON represents a notable, industry-led effort to regain public trust and manage systemic risks. Its success will depend heavily on the depth of the security collaboration, the effectiveness of traffic management by authorities, and the strict adherence to maintenance promises by individual operators. The coming weeks will serve as a tangible test of these commitments for the millions of Nigerians embarking on holiday journeys.
