Commercial Drivers in Nigeria are individuals who use their vehicles to transport people or goods from one place to another at a cost. Commercial driving is a business that has worked for a long time and is still working because not everyone can afford a personal vehicle. Every nook and cranny of the states in Nigeria has commercial drivers who depend on the earnings from their jobs to feed themselves and even their families. A major advantage that comes with the work is the surety of making sales because people and businesses rely on their services to go from one location to another. This consistency assures commercial drivers of a steady flow of opportunity. So, if you ask, we think that commercial driving is a good business. However, if you are looking to venture into it, you still have a bit of catching up to do and we have written this article to help you with that, especially if you need to know how much commercial drivers earn daily. 

Who can identify as a Commercial Driver? 

If you have any of the following vehicles (Bus, Cab/car, Tricycle/Keke Maruwa, Truck) and use them to make money by moving people or things to their destination, you are a commercial driver. This also includes that you can shuttle different locations which may be within or outside a city depending on how far you have planned to go. Furthermore, commercial drivers usually make up a group or team of drivers within a vicinity. This is to ensure accountability, proper standards, and safe working conditions.

What do I need to become a Commercial Driver? 

While you think that all you need to become a commercial driver is a vehicle, there are quite a number of things you may be missing out on. They include:

• Driver's license

• Vehicle insurance

• Good Health and Stamina

• Excellent Driving and Safety skills

Other requirements will be dependent on your area/jurisdiction and the drivers' union.

What is the Daily earning of Commercial Drivers like? 

The daily pay of commercial drivers varies depending on several factors. However, you must note that Driver A may not make the same amount as Driver B. Destination is one factor that can influence the daily earnings of a commercial driver as they all don't ply the same route or shuttle to the same location which means that their passengers will be charged different amounts. Also, the daily earning of a commercial driver is determined only after all daily dues have been removed by the NURTW agents. During specific hours of each day, commercial drivers pay a designated amount of money to the NURTW agents to facilitate and support the union's growth and movement. 

Read also: How to Become an NURTW member

Furthermore, a few months ago, fuel prices rose to over N600/litre which means that if commercial drivers need to maintain their profit, there must be an increase in the amount charged for transport fares to specific locations. 

Although all of these factors determine the earnings of commercial drivers, they still make a few hundred thousand naira monthly. According to a Lagos commercial bus driver, he earns N370,000 monthly which equates to about N12,500 daily. While we cannot say the same for other commercial drivers, at least we have an idea of what their earnings can be - a few ten thousand naira per day.  

If you find this content helpful, sign up on our website to have full access to the career advice page and salary category. Also, you may want to follow us on social media: 

Facebook: Hub for Jobs

Twitter: @hubforjobs

Instagram: @hubforjobs

LinkedIn: HubForJobs