Africa's first truck-focused Academy #TruckMatters #Safety #Advocacy

    The global logistics industry is grappling with a significant challenge: a growing shortage of truck drivers. According to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), there are currently over 3 million unfilled truck driver positions worldwide, a number projected to more than double to 7 million by 2028. This crisis presents a unique opportunity for Nigerian women to step into a field traditionally dominated by men, offering not only employment prospects but also the chance to reshape industry norms. The Gender Gap in Trucking Despite the high demand for drivers, women remain significantly underrepresented in the trucking industry. Globally, women constitute only about 6% of truck drivers, with the United States having the highest share at 8%. In countries like Türkiye, the figure is even lower, with women making up just 1.4% of the truck driver workforce. Why Nigerian Women Should Consider Truck Driving High Demand Equals Job Security : The escala...

     Climate change is increasingly shaping the infrastructure of nations, particularly in regions like Africa, where extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. One overlooked yet critical consequence of climate change is its impact on road conditions. Bad roads, exacerbated by climatic factors, significantly contribute to road accidents. This issue is especially pressing in Nigeria, where poor infrastructure and extreme weather combine to create hazardous driving conditions. How Climate Change Affects Roads Rising Temperatures: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause asphalt to soften, leading to rutting, cracking, and pothole formation. In tropical regions like Nigeria, this accelerates road degradation. Flooding and Heavy Rainfall: Unprecedented rainfall, often linked to climate change, leads to waterlogging and erosion. Roads not built to withstand such conditions become prone to collapse or severe damage. Drought and Soil Instabi...

    Truck and tractor-trailer drivers operate some of the largest and most complex vehicles on the road. Due to their size, these vehicles have significant blind spots — areas around the truck where other vehicles or pedestrians are not visible in the mirrors. These blind spots, often referred to as “ No-Zones ,” pose serious safety risks if not properly managed. Understanding and mitigating these blind spots is essential for safe driving and accident prevention. Where Are the Blind Spots? Front Blind Spot Located directly in front of the truck’s cab. Drivers often cannot see vehicles or obstacles within about 20 feet in front. 2. Rear Blind Spot Located directly behind the trailer. Can extend up to 200 feet behind the truck. Rear-view mirrors do not cover this area, making reversing particularly dangerous. 3. Side Blind Spots On both sides of the truck, particularly the right side (passenger side). Can extend across multiple lanes. These are the most dangerous bl...

  When it comes to the safety and reliability of trucks and tractor-trailers, electrical system monitoring is just as important as engine performance and braking power. Two often-underestimated tools that contribute significantly to road safety are the voltmeter and ammeter. These instruments help drivers monitor the health of a truck’s electrical system, which powers essential components such as lights, ignition, communication systems, and emergency equipment. Understanding the Voltmeter and Ammeter Voltmeter : This instrument measures the voltage (electrical potential difference) of the vehicle’s battery system. It helps detect whether the battery is being overcharged or undercharged. Ammeter : This device measures the current flowing to and from the battery. It shows whether the battery is charging (current flowing in) or discharging (current flowing out). Together, these tools give drivers real-time insight into their truck’s electrical status, helping to pr...

    When it comes to truck safety, few systems are more vital than the air brake system . Among its components, one often overlooked yet critical part is the wet tank , also known as the primary air reservoir. For truck and tractor-trailer drivers, regularly draining the wet tank is not just a maintenance step — it’s a safety essential that can prevent brake failure, reduce repair costs, and even save lives. What is the Wet Tank? In heavy-duty trucks with air brake systems, the wet tank is the first air reservoir where compressed air from the compressor is stored. As the air passes through the system, it carries moisture and oil vapor  — byproducts of air compression. The wet tank acts as the first line of defense , collecting most of this moisture and oil before it reaches other parts of the brake system , like the service and emergency reservoirs. Why Does Moisture Accumulate? Air compression naturally creates condensation . Even with an air dryer installed, some wat...

  For years, the Nigerian haulage industry has faced a heavy burden not from the weight of the goods it carries, but from the unofficial hands collecting fees along the roads . Truck drivers, already navigating treacherous highways and enduring long hours, have also had to deal with an exhausting and unregulated web of informal tax collectors  — local government agents, road union enforcers, and outright touts demanding payments at almost every checkpoint. The Strain of Informal Tax Collection Ask any truck driver traveling from Lagos to Kano, or Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, and they’ll tell you: every state border and local council junction is a potential stop-and-pay point . These payments — often illegal or poorly accounted for — add layers of cost, frustration, and delay to an already complex business. google search Some key effects of this informal system have included: Loss of income for truck drivers , who often bear the brunt of these payments from their pockets. Unpredicta...