In a unique story of familial collaboration on the bustling Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Musa Ibrahim, a veteran commercial driver, and his 19-year-old son, Basit Ibrahim, have carved out an unconventional father-son relationship as driver and conductor. Their partnership stands out in a sector often fraught with tension and altercations between drivers and conductors.
During a recent trip from Lagos to Ibadan, this duo caught the attention of passengers not just for their uncanny resemblance but for the camaraderie in their interactions. While typical driver-conductor relationships are marked by disagreements over finances or operational issues, Musa and Basit showcase a rare harmony in their working dynamic.
Musa, a commercial driver with over 20 years of experience, has traversed routes from Ibadan to Abuja and Ibadan to Lagos, providing for his family through the profession he inherited from his father. Basit, on the other hand, is the eldest of Musa’s five children. Despite completing only Senior Secondary School One, Basit made a decisive choice to forego further education and pursue a career as a bus conductor, much to the initial dismay of his parents.
“I stopped at SS1 because all I want is to own my bus and also do inter-state commercial transportation,” Basit declared. “This is what I love and nothing more.”
The decision to work alongside his father came after years of Basit running away from home, prompting his parents to seek ways to engage him productively. Over the past two years, Basit has served as his father’s conductor on inter-state trips, managing passengers, collecting fares, and navigating the challenges of the road.
Unlike the often volatile driver-conductor relationships common in the sector, Musa and Basit enjoy a working relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. Musa allows his son some financial leeway during trips and handles disputes with subtle reprimands rather than confrontation.
“There are times I scold him for incomplete money, but it’s quickly resolved considering this is a father-son relationship,” Musa said.
However, Musa remains cautious about his younger children following Basit’s path. While he acknowledges the stability the profession has provided, he emphasizes the importance of education for his other children.
“I inherited this profession from my father, but I would strongly oppose my other kids choosing this path. I want them to stay in school and pursue different opportunities,” Musa stated.
The story of Musa and Basit Ibrahim reflects not only the challenges of the Nigerian road transportation system but also a tale of resilience, familial bonds, and the pursuit of individual dreams in a tough economic landscape.