FAMILY, FRIENDS CALLED ME MAD FOR BUILDING MOTORCYCLES FROM SCRATCH - BENUE MAN. (PHOTOS).

 FAMILY, FRIENDS CALLED ME MAD FOR BUILDING MOTORCYCLES FROM SCRATCH - BENUE MAN

18th February, 2024  

Chief Executive Officer of Lubem Custom Motorcycle Company, Johnson Lubem, tells ABDULLATEEF FOWEWE about reactions to his inventions and why people are not willing to help him

What inspired you to start motorcycle production?

I’m Johnson Lubem, I am the CEO of the Lubem Custom Company; I am from Gboko, Benue State, and I am 31 years old. What inspired me was the fact that as a child, I didn’t have a bicycle while other kids did due to my parents’ financial circumstances. However, even as an apprentice mechanic, I had a passion for engineering and construction. I didn’t behave like a typical child, instead, I enjoyed building things, which led me to aspire to become a constructor. Unfortunately, my attempt at building a bicycle when I was young was unsuccessful because I lacked the necessary knowledge and equipment. As I grew older, I pursued a career as a motorcycle custom maker, but the idea of building bicycles resurfaced.

Determined to create a fast and efficient bicycle, I successfully built one with a speed engine, and later, an electric-powered one. Since then, I have not limited myself to constructing only bicycles, as I have built different kinds of motorcycles and I also customise motorbikes for people. After completing the workshop training, I received old bikes from people who wanted them replaced with new ones. Some even purchased new motorcycles and requested that I modify them according to my designs. I used my creativity to shape and customise the motorcycles. As time went on, I began purchasing scrap metals and constructing motorcycles from scratch to finish in my own house. This started in 2011 and since then I have developed various designs that people have purchased.

This success motivated me to further explore my skills. It reached a point where some individuals doubted that I was the one who was creating these motorcycles. I had to provide evidence to convince them that I was indeed the creator. It was inspiring for me to face such scepticism and it pushed me to continue my work. However, I eventually realised that I stood out from other individuals. That was when I decided to open a workshop and start building motorcycles for a living. I gradually started purchasing equipment. That was how I began my journey, and now I can construct any kind of motorcycle shown to me. I am even in the process of building one where I shape the structure.

Can you provide some information about your educational background?

Well, my educational background was not traditional due to my family’s financial struggles. After my father passed away, my mother took sole responsibility for caring for me. I attended the Gbosi Government Primary School and later went to the CCG Secondary School. However, my education ended there. Despite this, I was fortunate that my mother took me to a mechanic workshop to learn the skills. Unfortunately, my classmates labelled me a madman because of my unconventional approach. I used to bring two school bags with me, one for carrying scraps and the other for my books. After we finish our school activities, I would change into my mechanic attire. They gave me the nickname ‘madman’ and kept calling me that for a long time. It wasn’t until they saw me constructing bicycles that they stopped calling me that name, but some still call me that even now.

Back then, they used to mock me, thinking I was crazy. Even some of my family members referred to me as a madman due to my lifestyle. When I married, my wife also thought I was insane when I told her about my plans to start a motorcycle construction company. However, as I started purchasing equipment, she began to believe in me because she saw my abilities. I still have the goal of obtaining a professional engineering certificate; I will pursue it after I have established my company. I currently have many ideas buzzing in my mind; so returning to school in the future is something I plan on doing.

What specific behaviour did your wife notice to make her believe that you are insane?

My wife thought I was crazy because there was a time when we were sleeping on a terrible bed. Whenever visitors came to our home, we would lock the door so that they wouldn’t see the bed. One day, I received N200,000 from a customer for a motorcycle I made. It was the biggest sum of money I got at that time. I excitedly told my wife about it, expecting her to be happy. However, instead of using the money to buy a new bed as she anticipated, I went to the market and returned with work equipment and only N19,000 left. My wife became extremely angry and called me a madman, convinced that I was truly crazy.

How did you handle being labelled a madman by others during that period?

I feel nothing but happiness when they call me a madman because I embrace being different, I consider it a testament to my uniqueness. I recall a moment during my apprenticeship when I purchased a scrap iron for N7,000. Despite being offered N20,000 for it, I refused to sell. It was then that my boss labelled me a madman, only to retract his words later when I used the iron to build a motorcycle. Now, I take such labels with a pinch of salt, believing that they don’t truly understand my capabilities.

What kind of warranty or customer support do you offer for your products?

Regarding warranty and customer support for my products, my motorcycles are both affordable and reliable. While others sell at higher prices, I offer mine at significantly lower rates; I am selling my motorcycle for N400,000 for what others sell at N800,000, and N450,000 for what others sell at N900,000. Even a power bike I sell for N500,000 is a fraction of the N1.6m market price. This affordability and strength have attracted loyal customers, many of whom return and share positive testimonials and recommend me to their friends.

Notably, people from Lagos now come to Gboko, Benue State, to buy motorcycles from me, a shift from the previous trend of locals purchasing from Lagos. Even when sending motorcycles to Lagos, people question why I’m sending them back. I explain that we manufacture quality products here at a lower cost than the imported ones, and many have sought my expertise for customised designs, something they can’t easily get from China. This distinction sets me apart.

What kind of backing do you receive from your family and friends?

I haven’t received much support from family and friends because they lack belief in my capabilities, and I’m essentially building myself from the ground up. Most of the support I’ve garnered comes from my followers on social media. It’s not that my family abandoned me; sadly, my father passed away in 2000, and my mother in 2018. Back then, my parents faced financial difficulties, leaving me to forge my path. Some financially capable relatives and stable friends have been reluctant to offer assistance, with many unfulfilled promises. I vividly recall a close friend who pledged N5m upon seeing my work, yet, despite multiple visits to his house, the promise remained unfulfilled. This realisation led me to understand the importance of self-reliance and staying close to my faith in God.

Can you recount any of your success stories?

A significant accomplishment for me is having my workshop. I started the work from home, relying on others’ workshops for machine usage. Now, with my dedicated space and equipment, I can independently handle all tasks without relying on external workshops. This progress has enabled me to support both myself and my family with the income being generated from my workshop.

What features and design elements distinguish your motorcycles from the imported ones?

To begin with, my motorcycle designs stand out due to unique features such as LED lights, remote starter/control, and the inclusion of trackers, which many imported bikes lack. Additionally, some of my motorcycles can be accessed through a dedicated app on your gadget. Notably, the speed in my designs is substantial, and the overall structure differs from the norm. Understanding the Nigerian terrain and how motorcycles are utilised, I crafted them to be robust with independent suspension for off-road capability. Unlike imported motorcycles, my bikes are built to endure rough riding and carry loads, providing benefits regardless of the terrain. Moreover, the fuel consumption of the motorcycles I made is considerably lower, aligning with the economic conditions in the country.

Have you faced specific challenges in the production process, and how did you overcome them?

Certainly, numerous challenges emerged when I first ventured into motorcycle manufacturing. Initially, lacking essential equipment made construction difficult. Certain tasks that could have been easily accomplished with machinery had to be done manually, causing significant stress. Ideas were often hindered as manual execution was cumbersome, especially during periods when capital was scarce. I struggled to invest in myself, only building motorcycles when ordered, and often had to negotiate prices down to secure timely payments after completion, leaving minimal profit after hard work.

Moreover, personal challenges surfaced, with my wife facing disruption due to my demanding work schedule. Sleepless nights and limited social interactions became a norm as the intricate nature of the job required intense focus. Wearing headphones to block distractions led some to perceive me as eccentric. However, the job’s demands necessitated such measures. Despite the difficulties, embracing advancements in technology has been a learning curve, where even watching cartoon videos can spark innovative ideas.

Can you highlight any significant milestones your company has attained in motorcycle production?

Initially, I was relatively unknown, but the quality of my work has garnered recognition, even from notable figures such as the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia. This increased visibility indicates positive growth for my company. I have a YouTube channel where I train people in how to construct motorcycles and I have students from different countries, including the United States of America and China.

How do you ensure quality control of your motorcycles during the manufacturing process?

To guarantee the quality, I prioritise robust engines and opt for high-quality steel, tailoring the materials to the specific quality standards I aim to achieve. Maintaining my reputation is paramount, and I won’t compromise the excellence of my products.

Where do you source the materials for your motorcycles from?

I procure materials both locally in Benue State and from Lagos, and occasionally, I order directly from China. Following the instructions when purchasing my motorcycles ensures a satisfying experience, enhancing their enjoyment and longevity if the guidelines are adhered to, and that is how it is for all kinds of motorcycles you purchase, even the ones that are imported.

 Do you have plans to produce vehicles?

Certainly, I had plans, but it’s disheartening to see Nigerians selling raw materials to foreigners, who in turn, return with the finished products at inflated prices. This practice is of concern. Despite this, I am determined to create motorcycles that operate without fuel, given the current fuel situation in the country. The upcoming venture involves electric motorcycles and tricycles. I’m also exploring diverse motorcycle designs, including affordable options for people with disabilities, a drone-like flying motorcycle, and one capable of navigating both land and the ocean. Agricultural-use motorcycles are also in the plan. Despite facing scepticism from investors, I remain committed to elevating Nigeria’s status in this industry. I envision a future where I have a substantial industry with all the necessary equipment, producing motorcycles that are easily repairable by anyone, and not just restricted to specific mechanics.

More photos below.