“We’re not hooligans, sub-human” Nigerian bus conductors demand public respect, government recognition
By Kayode Badmus
Believe it or not, commercial bus driver assistants popularly known as bus conductors now have an association.
Known as the Bus Conductors Association of Nigeria, BCAN is a union of driver assistants who are seeking to use their coalition to garner public respect and government support.
In a recent interview with Newsroom, the founding president of the association Adeshola Israel took no time to express these desires.
“Some believe that a conductor is a no-body, a hooligan, and outcast, a reject of society. They think we are sub-human who should never be reckoned with.
“Now the point is that these negative perceptions held by the public is highly misplaced and untrue,” he said.
“Outside the shores of this nation – take for instance in Great Britain – conductors are highly respected because of their impact on the welfare, safety and security of the passengers.”
He explained that the job of a conductor goes beyond the collection of fares and calling out to passengers.
“The conductor also functions as a security agent. This is the greatest value the conduct brings to the table.
“When a criminal enters a bus, the driver in most cases may not know, but the conductor will quickly recognize the criminal and in most cases they ask the suspected person to disembark from the bus.”
.
