National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria (NUCFTHN): Championing the Interests of Nigerian Truck Drivers

The National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria (NUCFTHN) is Nigeria’s foremost sector-based workers’ union dedicated exclusively to the trucking industry. Established to represent the collective interests of professional truck drivers engaged in the freight truck haulage sector across the country, the Union serves as the recognized mother union for truck drivers operating in the

 specialized freight truck haulage sector but outside industry-specific unions.

Unlike industry-based unions that represent truck drivers within particular sectors, NUCFTHN is open to all qualified truck drivers engaged in freight truck haulage in Nigeria regardless of the type of cargo they transport. This makes the Union unique as the only sector-based workers’ union with the mandate to protect, organize, and promote the welfare of truck drivers throughout the Nigerian trucking industry.

A Distinct Role in the Trucking Industry

Nigeria’s trucking industry includes several specialized unions operating within specific sectors. These include:

• The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which represents tanker drivers within the petroleum industry.
• The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN), which represents drivers involved in the transportation of edible oil products.
• The Union of Tipper Supplier and Quarry Employers of Nigeria (UTSQEN), which represents tipper drivers operating within the quarry, sand, and stone industries.

While these organizations serve their respective industries, the National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria remains the only sector-based union established specifically to unite and represent professional truck drivers across the broader trucking and freight haulage sector. The Union operates independently and is not affiliated with any other transport union.

Vision and Commitment

NUCFTHN is committed to building a professional, safe, and highly respected trucking industry in Nigeria. The Union promotes:

• Improved welfare and working conditions for truck drivers.
• Professionalism and ethical conduct within the industry.
• Road safety and responsible driving practices.
• Unity among truck drivers nationwide.
• Protection of members’ rights and interests.
• Continuous advocacy for policies that enhance the trucking profession.

The Union believes that truck drivers play a vital role in Nigeria’s economy by ensuring the efficient movement of goods across the nation, and therefore deserve proper recognition, protection, and representation.

Membership

Membership of NUCFTHN is open to qualified professional truck drivers operating in the freight truck haulage sector across Nigeria. The primary requirement for membership is possession of a valid Class D or Class G Nigerian Driver’s Licence, being employed in the freight truck haulage sector, demonstrating the competence required to operate a light, medium or heavy-duty vehicles.

By joining the Union, members become part of a nationwide organization committed to protecting their interests, promoting career development, and improving the overall standards of the trucking profession.

Leadership

The Union is led by Comrade Nathaniel Egbebor, who serves as the National President and Head of the Union, providing strategic leadership and direction.

The administrative affairs of the Union are coordinated by Capt. Evalsam Awara, the General Secretary and Administrative Head. Although the title “Captain” is honorary and reflects his leadership within the trucking industry rather than a military rank, Capt. Awara has been instrumental in promoting professionalism, unity, and organizational development within the Union.

Together, the leadership continues to strengthen the Union’s presence across Nigeria while advocating for better opportunities and improved welfare for truck drivers.

National Presence

The National Secretariat of the National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria is located in Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja, serving as the administrative headquarters of the Union.

To ensure effective representation nationwide, the Union has established branches across various states and regions of Nigeria. These branches provide support to members, coordinate Union activities, and ensure that the concerns of truck drivers are addressed at both local and national levels.

Building the Future of Nigerian Trucking

As Nigeria’s only dedicated sector-based workers’ union for the trucking industry, the National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria continues to provide leadership, advocacy, and representation for thousands of professional truck drivers.

With a strong commitment to safety, professionalism, workers’ welfare, and national development, NUCFTHN remains steadfast in its mission to create a more organized, respected, and prosperous trucking industry for the benefit of its members and the Nigerian economy.

Motto: Stronger together.

HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL UNION OF CONTAINER AND FREIGHT TRUCKS HAULIERS OF NIGERIA (NUCFTHN)

The National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria (NUCFTHN) was founded in 2023 through the vision, courage, and unwavering determination of Capt. Evalsam Awara, who was only thirty-three (33) years of age at the time. His vision was born out of years of practical experience in the Nigerian trucking industry and a genuine desire to improve the welfare and professional standing of container and freight truck hauliers across the nation.

Capt. Evalsam Awara began his career as a truck driver at the age of eighteen (18). Through hard work, commitment, discipline, and exceptional leadership, he spent many years in the trucking industry, eventually rising to the position of Fleet Team Leader. The title “Captain” attached to his name is not a military rank, but a recognition of his leadership, coordination, and influence within the trucking profession. His colleagues bestowed the title upon him in recognition of his ability to lead teams of drivers and effectively coordinate fleet operations.

Throughout his years in the industry, Capt. Awara witnessed numerous challenges confronting truck drivers and freight hauliers in Nigeria. He observed the absence of effective coordination among truck operators, poor welfare and working conditions, widespread harassment and extortion by touts operating around ports and highways, insecurity, and the lack of a legitimate organization capable of protecting the collective interests of truck drivers. These persistent problems inspired him to take decisive action by creating a trade union that would unite truck hauliers under one national body and provide a platform for advocacy, welfare, professional development, and constructive engagement with government and industry stakeholders.

With this vision firmly established, Capt. Awara approached Comrade Rose Omobamide, who immediately embraced the idea and became the first person to support the movement. Together, they commenced an intensive campaign to mobilize truck drivers and recruit committed individuals who believed in the dream of establishing a strong, independent, and nationally recognized trade union.

Their efforts soon brought together a dedicated group of thirteen pioneers who became known as “The 13 Strong.” These courageous individuals sacrificed their time, resources, and energy to lay the foundation of what has become one of Nigeria’s foremost organizations representing container and freight truck hauliers.

The founding members known as The 13 Strong are:

1. Capt. Evalsam Awara
2. Comrade Rose Omobamide
3. Comrade Egbebor Nathaniel
4. Comrade James Unekwu
5. Comrade Nwankwo Mathew
6. Comrade Sheriff Emmanuel
7. Comrade Adamu Mustapha
8. Comrade Oche Emmanuel
9. Comrade Henry Ododo
10. Comrade Francis Ebune
11. Comrade Teidi Danjuma
12. Comrade Hamidu Musa
13. Comrade Timothy Monday

Following the establishment of the founding team, the pioneers embarked upon an extensive nationwide mobilization campaign. They visited ports, trailer parks, logistics corridors, industrial zones, and major highways across Nigeria, educating truck drivers on the importance of unity, collective representation, and organized labour. Their dedication inspired thousands of container and freight truck drivers to identify with the movement, resulting in rapid membership growth and laying a strong foundation for the union’s national presence.

After years of tireless commitment, organizational development, consultations, and compliance with all legal requirements governing trade unions in Nigeria, the National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria achieved a historic milestone. On 17 July 2026, the Certificate of Registration was officially granted by the Registrar of Trade Unions, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, thereby giving NUCFTHN full legal recognition as a registered trade union in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The registration represented the successful realization of a vision that began three years earlier with one determined truck driver and a small group of committed colleagues. It also marked the beginning of a new era for container and freight truck hauliers, who now have a legally recognized organization to represent and protect their interests.

Capt. Evalsam Awara played a central role throughout the entire registration process. As the founder and pioneer General Secretary, he named the union and coordinated the affairs of the union from its inception through its registration, overseeing the documentation, administration, mobilization, and organizational development required to secure official recognition.

In an extraordinary demonstration of humility, selflessness, and commitment to democratic leadership, Capt. Awara voluntarily declined the office of President. Believing that leadership should be based on experience, wisdom, and collective unity, he willingly made way and effectively nominated Comrade Egbebor Nathaniel, a respected elder and seasoned truck driver, to become the pioneer President of the National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria. Comrade Egbebor has been in the trucking industry for the longest amongst all of the 13 strong, he has been a consistent advocate of improved drivers welfare and a respected leader in the industry. Capt. Awara continues to serve as the General Secretary, providing administrative leadership and ensuring the continued growth and stability of the union.

This act of selfless service established an enduring culture within NUCFTHN, demonstrating that the union was founded not for personal ambition but for the collective welfare and advancement of all container and freight truck hauliers in Nigeria.

Today, the National Union of Container and Freight Trucks Hauliers of Nigeria (NUCFTHN) stands as a nationally recognized organization committed to protecting the rights, welfare, dignity, and professional interests of container and freight truck operators throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The union continues to promote unity among truck hauliers, advocate for improved working conditions, encourage professionalism and safety in the road transport sector, engage constructively with government and industry stakeholders, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s transport and logistics industry.

The history of NUCFTHN is a story of vision, sacrifice, perseverance, and collective purpose. From the determination of Capt. Evalsam Awara, the support of Comrade Rose Omobamide, and the commitment of The 13 Strong, the union has grown into a respected national institution dedicated to improving the lives of container and freight truck hauliers and ensuring a stronger, more organized future for the industry in Nigeria.