History, Origin, Culture and Traditions of Nnewi Town in Anambra state

 
Nnewi is an urban and industrial hub located in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria. It is the second-largest city in the state, following Onitsha. Nnewi, as a metropolitan area, is made up of two local government areas: Nnewi North and Nnewi South, both centered around the central town of Nnewi. The nearby Ekwusigo local government area is also increasingly considered part of the Nnewi urban area as the city’s expansion continues to reach neighboring communities. The town of Nnewi, situated in Nnewi North, is composed of four villages: Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi. Historically, Nnewi has been a major center of commerce and industry, once recognized as the fastest-growing industrial city east of the Niger River. It is home to several prominent industries, including the Ibeto Group, the Chicason Group, and Cutix Cables. Nnewi also hosts Nigeria’s first indigenous car manufacturing plant and was the site of the production of the first entirely locally made motorcycle, the 'NASENI M1.'

As of 2019, the estimated population of Nnewi was over 900,000, and by January 2024, the population had grown to approximately 1.3 million. The city covers an area of more than 200 square miles (520 km²) in Anambra State. The greater Nnewi Metropolitan Area, including surrounding towns, was home to nearly 2.5 million people as of 2005. In terms of size and population, Nnewi has consistently outpaced other towns in the region. The 1953 census data even recognized it as the largest inland town in Eastern Nigeria.

Nnewi is projected to be the twelfth fastest-growing city in Africa between 2020 and 2025, with an estimated annual growth rate of 5.18%.

##History
In the oral traditions and folklore of Nnewi, the rabbit ('ewi') holds a significant place, being credited with saving the early settlers of Nnewi during times of warfare. Throughout its history, Nnewi has relied on its military strength to protect its borders, and as a result, the hunting or consumption of ewi has been strictly prohibited up to the present day. Nnewi operated as an independent kingdom from the 15th century until 1904, when it was incorporated into the British colonial administration under the Southern Nigeria Protectorate.

The Nnewi kingdom was initially divided into four primary quarters, each representing large villages: Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi. These villages were composed of smaller communities, each further subdivided into family units known as 'umunna'. At the head of each umunna was a founding family, referred to as the 'obi'.

The origins of these four villages have been the subject of much debate, as the early history of Nnewi and the establishment of its villages were not documented in written form at the time. According to Dr. Okonkwo Alutu, a historian on Nnewi, the most likely ancestor of the Nnewi people was a man named Mmaku, who migrated from Ndoni. He had a son named Ikéngà, who in turn had four sons: Nnewi, Isu, Ifite, and Ichi. Nnewi, the namesake of the town, fathered six sons: Digbo, Uru, Eze, Eke, Ekweludikonwu, and Nnagha. Digbo became the founder of Otolo, the only village named after a direct descendant of Nnewi. The other three villages were established by Nnewi's other sons and various migrants who joined the settlement.

##The Role of Nnewi in Igbo History
When the Igbo people originally settled in what is now Eastern Nigeria, they were led by three leaders: two spiritual leaders and the youngest, who was a hereditary ruler known as the Obi (King), a title passed down by birthright. The first of these leaders was the Eze Nri of Awka, a Priest King, the second was the Eze Aro of Arochukwu, also a King, and the third was the Obi of Nnewi, a ruler of both politics and war. In the 1780s, Obi Okoli, the Obi of Nnewi at the time, lost his throne due to internal palace politics rooted in tradition. According to tradition, the Crown Prince must perform the funeral rites of the late Obi before being crowned. Obi Okoli, however, was absent during the burial of Obi Okoli I and arrived only after the ceremony was completed. His uncle, the younger brother of the late Obi Okoli I, performed the rites in his place and subsequently became the Igwe of Nnewi, but could not assume the title of Obi, which traditionally belongs to the first son. The Obi Okoli family was forced into exile and sought refuge in Umune-Alam, Umudim, Nnewi, where they remain to this day. Despite their exile, the Obi Okoli family continues to carry the Ofor, the spiritual and political symbol of power, in Nnewi.

The supreme deity of the Alusi (Igbo gods) in Anaedo country is Edo, and its central shrine is located at Nkwo Nnewi, the town's central market. Alongside Edo, there are four other deities in Nnewi: Ana, Ezemewi, Eze, and Ele. Christianity was introduced to the region by Europeans in 1885, and today, many of Nnewi's people practice Christianity.

Nnewi, along with Ichi and Oraifite, forms part of the Anaedo state. The communities of Anaedo share common ancestry, beliefs, and traditional values. Nnewi has grown into a significant commercial and manufacturing hub in Nigeria, attracting millions of migrants from other Nigerian states and beyond due to its thriving business activities.

The Ofala Festival is an annual cultural event held to celebrate the coronation of the Igwe of Nnewi. Other traditional festivals, such as Afiaolu (the New Yam Festival) and Ikwuaru, are also celebrated in Nnewi each year. The Nnewi Kingdom is also known as Anaedo, meaning the "Land of Gold," a title that reflects its spiritual and cultural significance, with its supreme deity and goddess being central to its traditions.

##Cultural Heritage
Nnewi, as a city with a rich historical background, is home to numerous cultural events and landmarks, including sacred shrines like Edo Na Ezemewi, Udoogwugwu shrine (Ichi), and Kamanu shrine (Ichi), among others scattered throughout the city. The community also celebrates a variety of festivals, with the most notable being the New Yam Festival (also known as Afiolu, or Ifejioku festival). This festival is celebrated by the entire city, with masquerades from all the constituent towns participating. The event features a wide array of activities and is held in the highest regard by Nnewi residents.

In every typical Nnewi household, it is customary to keep kola nuts, garden eggs, and peanut butter in the home, ready to be offered to visitors. When a guest arrives, the kola nuts are presented as a sign of welcome. This ritual not only symbolizes hospitality but also invokes prayers and blessings for both the visitor and the host, seeking divine protection from the supreme deity and other local gods. This tradition is an integral part of Nnewi’s cultural identity and is observed during various ceremonies.

##Crafts and Artworks
In Nnewi’s rural communities, local artisans thrive, creating a range of beautiful and functional works of art. These include intricately carved doors, walking sticks in various designs, sculptures, flutes, wooden mortars and pestles, gongs, and the iconic talking drums. Additionally, metalworking and other handcrafted items are produced locally, showcasing the skills of Nnewi's craftsmen.

##Music
Like other Igbo groups, the people of Nnewi have a distinct musical style that features a variety of percussion instruments. Among these instruments are the udu, a clay jug drum; the ekwe, a hollow log drum; and the ogene, an iron bell. Other instruments used include the opi (a wind instrument similar to a flute), ?gbà, and ?chàkà, all of which contribute to the vibrant musical traditions of the community.

##Traditional Marriage
In Nnewi, marriage follows three primary types, common across Nigerian society: the traditional marriage (which takes place at the woman's family home), the official wedding (held at a registry office, allowing for only one wife), and the religious marriage.

The traditional marriage ceremony in Nnewi is called Igbankwu, which is a central part of Igbo culture. Unlike many cultures that have a separate engagement ceremony, Nnewi’s marriage process begins with a series of negotiations between the families of the bride and groom. These discussions outline the terms of the marriage, which some might consider the engagement phase. It's important to note that Nigeria, with its diverse ethnic groups, features varying marriage customs even within specific groups.

##Cultural Attire
The traditional attire for Nnewi men includes a long-sleeved shirt or an overflowing jumper worn over a gooji wrapper, which is tied around the waist and falls to the ankles. This outfit is complemented by a cap and a walking stick, which serves both as support and a symbol of dignity. For women, the traditional dress consists of a blouse worn over a loincloth, with accompanying head-tie, earrings, and necklaces or traditional beads. This attire reflects the rich cultural identity of the Nnewi people.

##New Yam Festival
The Iri-ji ?h?? (New Yam Festival) holds immense cultural significance for the Nnewi people. It is celebrated at the end of August and marks the eating of the new yam harvest. This occasion is filled with a variety of celebrations, including performances of traditional dances by Igbo men, women, and children, as well as a display of cultural activities like masquerade dances and feasting. The festival showcases a wide variety of traditional Igbo foods and forms of entertainment.

The first day of the festival is marked by a Harvest Thanksgiving Ceremony officiated by the Igwe (King) of Nnewi at his palace. The yams are offered to the gods and ancestors before being distributed to the villagers. After the thanksgiving prayers, the Igwe consumes the first yam, a gesture believed to signify his privileged position as an intermediary between the community and the gods. This ritual is a way of expressing gratitude to the divine for a successful harvest and underscores the three pillars of the Igbo worldview: practicality, spirituality, and appreciation.

This festival has been celebrated for centuries and provides an opportunity for the community to come together in unity, reinforcing social bonds. Due to its importance, Nnewi’s New Yam Festival is not only celebrated locally but also among the global Igbo diaspora, who honor the event as a means of preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage.

##Economy
Nnewi's rise as a significant economic center began in 1970, following the end of the Nigerian Civil War. During the conflict, the people of Nnewi, or Nd? Nnewi, who were living in various cities across Nigeria, endured substantial losses. As a result, they made the decision to bring their investments and businesses back to their homeland.

The development of Agbo Edo, a forested area historically associated with the Edo Nnewi deity, marked a key moment in Nnewi's economic transformation. This land was cleared to establish the Nkwo Nnewi market, which quickly became a central hub for trade and commerce, significantly boosting the local economy.

Today, Nnewi has become a rapidly growing city and a major industrial and commercial center in Africa. The city experiences high levels of financial activity, which has attracted many banks and financial institutions. Various industries are scattered across the city and its neighboring towns. The region is known for its production of goods such as palm oil, cosmetics, motor and motorcycle spare parts, books, stationery, textiles, electric cables, and more. These items are manufactured in substantial quantities, contributing to the region's economic growth.

The city's key commercial markets include the Nkwo Nnewi market, home to the largest motorcycle spare parts market in Africa, as well as the Agb?-Edo motor spare parts market, Nwagbala market, Generator parts market, Electrical parts market, Nkw? Nnewi general market (Ime Afia), Nnewi Timber dealers market (?gb? osisi), Nwafor market, Eke Amaobi market, Eke Ochie, Eke Ichi Market, Orie Otube Market, and Okpunoegbu market, among others.

##Agriculture and Forestry
The primary occupations of the people of Nnewi are trading, production, and farming, with commerce and entrepreneurship playing a central role in their daily lives. Many Nnewi residents engage in subsistence farming, cultivating both home gardens (mb?b?) and out-station gardens (ubi), where they grow a variety of crops. These crops are then brought to local markets for sale.

Nnewi's agriculture is diverse, with a significant focus on both cash crops and food crops. Major cash crops include oil palm, raffia palm, groundnuts, melon, cotton, cocoa, rubber, and maize. In addition, food crops such as yam, cassava, cocoyam, breadfruit, and three-leaf yam are produced in large quantities. The region's location within the tropical rainforest provides an ideal environment for the cultivation of a wide range of tropical crops, offering considerable potential for industrial agriculture.

##Manufacturing Sector
Nnewi is home to numerous prominent indigenous manufacturing companies, including Ibeto Group of Companies, Cutix, ADswitch, Uru Industries Ltd, Omata Holdings Ltd, Cento Group, Coscharis Group, Innoson Group of Companies, Ebunso Nig. Ltd, John White Industries, Ejiamatu Group, Chicason Group, and Louis Carter Group.

A significant portion of the industrialists in Nnewi, particularly those operating in the spare parts sector, also engage in trading. Many of these business owners produce one or more of the products they market, particularly motor vehicle parts, often leveraging their pre-established distribution networks to sell these goods. Nnewi is an integral part of Eastern Nigeria's industrial corridor, with its economic landscape expanding through culturally rooted institutions and sophisticated networks. Over time, the town has developed international trade connections, especially with exporters from Asia.

In recent years, Nnewi has experienced rapid industrial growth. The city is now home to more than 20 medium-to-large-scale businesses across various industries. Since the 1970s, Nnewi residents have dominated the motor parts trade in Nigeria, controlling roughly 80 to 90 percent of the market. Nkwo Nnewi Market serves as the primary import and wholesale hub for motor spare parts in Nigeria. Local manufacturers are adapting international technology to meet local demands, providing jobs for thousands and offering products that directly address the needs of Nigerian consumers. Notably, Nnewi hosts Nigeria's first indigenous car manufacturing plant, and the first fully Made-in-Nigeria motorcycle was produced here by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

##Automobile Parts Industry
Nnewi is renowned for its thriving auto industry. In fact, the first Igbo individual to own and drive a car was Sir Louis Ojukwu, father of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, in 1912. By the 1940s, Nnewi residents had become central players in a global trade network that dominated the supply of motor spare parts throughout Nigeria.

The town's industrialization began around 1970 when local motor parts traders started branding their own products rather than selling replicated "original" parts. Today, Nnewi boasts numerous auto and motorcycle spare parts dealers, and the Nnewi Motorcycle Spare Parts Market is recognized across West Africa. In addition, Nnewi is home to Nigeria's first auto plant, a collaboration between local businessman Innocent Chukwuma and a Chinese auto company.

##Markets
As the automobile hub of Africa, Nnewi is home to many markets dedicated to the sale of automobiles and auto parts, both wholesale and retail. The city also hosts various markets that specialize in general goods, food items, body care products, building materials, and more.

Here is a list of some of the key markets in Nnewi:

1. New Motorcycle Spare Parts Market
Known as the third-largest automobile market globally by goods volume, this market sells a wide variety of brand-new motorcycle parts.

2. Agbo-Edo Motor Spare Parts Market
This market offers brand-new spare parts for various motor vehicles.

3. Nwagbara Market
A market for second-hand motorcycle parts, where both new and used motorcycles are also sold.

4. Generator Parts Market
A smaller market focused on power generators and their parts.

5. Nkwo Nnewi General Market (Ime Afia)
The largest market in Nnewi by land size, offering everything from clothing, shoes, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, provisions, to cosmetics.

6. Electrical/Electronics Parts Market
A market dedicated to wholesale and retail sales of electrical and electronic goods.

7. Building Materials Market
Located along Muodile Street, this market is where various building materials are bought and sold, both wholesale and retail.

8. Timber Dealers Market
This market specializes in processed wood and timber sales.

##Modern Shopping Culture
While Nnewi is known for its traditional open-air markets, the city has also embraced modern shopping trends. Some of the contemporary shopping complexes in Nnewi include:

Roban Stores

G-MART Stores

These establishments offer a variety of modern shopping experiences alongside the traditional markets that define the city's commercial landscape.

##Government
The traditional leader of Nnewi is known as the Igwe. The institution of the Igwe predates European colonization, making it a distinctive monarchy in the Igbo land. Unlike many other Igbo communities, the Igbo people traditionally do not have kings, reflected in the popular saying "Igbo é nwe Eze" meaning "the Igbos have no king." In other Igbo regions, British colonial rulers appointed warrant chiefs who assumed the title of Igwe, a practice that continues to this day.

In Nnewi, the Igwe is the Isi Obi, or head of the Obis, and the title Igwe literally translates to "heavenly one" or "highness," signifying his role as the holder of the Ofo, a key religious and political symbol. The Igwe is not elected; instead, his position is inherited by birthright, a traditional privilege passed down through the royal lineage. His position is sacred and cannot be transferred or negotiated. In addition to being the Igwe, the holder of this title is also an Obi, which is akin to a chief or noble. The Obi is the title of ruling leaders, similar to the position of a duke in nobility.

The current Igwe of Nnewi is His Royal Highness Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, who is not only the longest-serving monarch in Nigeria but also the 20th in the Nnofo Royal lineage. He is a first-class chief in Anambra State and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Anambra State House of Chiefs.

Within the four clans of Nnewi, there are also Obis, with the highest-ranking Obi being the Obi of Otolo, who holds the title of Igwe of Nnewi. The current Obis of the other clans are Chief Afamefuna Obi (Uruagu), Obi Bennett Okafor (Umudim), and Obi George Onyekaba (Nnewichi). These Obis, alongside Igwe Orizu III, form the Igwe-in-Council, a body that deliberates on spiritual, traditional, and communal matters in Nnewi.

Additionally, Nnewi has an active town union known as Nzuko-Ora Nnewi. This union provides a platform for adult Nnewi indigenes (18 years and older) to contribute to the development of the town. The union works to promote the establishment of structures and initiatives that aim to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Nnewi.

##Legal System
The traditional legal system of Nnewi was not founded on written laws. Instead, it was based on natural law, drawing from customs, traditions, and handling both civil and criminal matters. Legal proceedings in Nnewi often navigated through the extended family structure. If an individual was accused of a crime or wrongdoing, a report would first be made to the head of their family at their ancestral home, known as the obi. The head of the family would then gather elders and minor obis from their extended family to serve as judges. If the complainant and the accused came from different families, the complainant would bring his own elders and minor obis to join in the judgment process.

This initial family tribunal would serve as the court for the first level of the trial, and the matter might end there if both parties were satisfied with the decision. However, if the dispute was unresolved, the case could be escalated to a higher-ranking obi of the extended family, moving upward until it reached the highest obi in the lineage. If the complainant was still dissatisfied, they could appeal to the obi of the quarter, with the leaders of the family potentially summoned to defend their decision.

Through this process, guilt or innocence was determined based on natural justice. Punishments varied according to the severity of the crime. A person found guilty of a serious offense might face severe penalties such as being sold into slavery or banished from the community for life. However, capital punishment was not used, as the killing of individuals was strictly prohibited by the Edo Goddess, the supreme deity of Nnewi.

The legal system in Nnewi recognized three main types of cases: minor offenses, serious criminal cases, and civil disputes such as debt, bride price, and land issues. Violating by-laws was seen as an offense against particular juju spirits and was typically addressed by performing a sacrifice. For example, killing a "eke" (a type of python) or eating an "ewi" (a rodent from the rabbit family) was prohibited. These offenses were usually unintentional, and if committed by accident, the offender would simply perform a sacrifice, with no formal trial necessary.

The criminal code in Nnewi, particularly in regard to serious crimes, appeared to be more advanced than in other parts of Igboland. There were seven major categories of offenses, known as "ori-obi", offenses against the obi, which were always investigated at the obi of the quarter.

##Politics
Nnewi has made significant contributions to Nigerian politics, producing several key figures in the nation's history. Some of the notable individuals include:

A. A. Nwafor Orizu, who served as the President of the Nigerian Senate in the First Republic and later as Acting President before the first coup of 1966.

M.C.K. Ajuluchukwu, a nationalist, anti-colonialist, and lawmaker during the First Republic.

Chief Z.C. Obi (Onunekwuluigbo Igbo), a First Republic politician.

Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, OBE, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi), who was the former military Governor of Eastern Nigeria and President of the defunct Republic of Biafra.

Comrade Dr. Edward Ikem Okeke, Deputy President of the PRP and Special Adviser to the President in the Second Republic.

Mr. F. C. Nwokedi, the first Nigerian Permanent Secretary.

Dr. Dozie Ikedife (Ikenga Nnewi), former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Professor A. B. C. Nwosu, former Health Commissioner for both East Central State and Anambra State.

Dr. Chu Okongwu, former Minister of Finance.

Dr. David Bennet Anagwu Ofomata, the first Indigenous Medical Director at the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and the first CEO/Chairman of the Anambra Health Management Board.

Chairman of the old Nnewi LGA, among others.


Nnewi is also the ancestral home of many prominent Nigerians who have made significant impacts in various sectors.

Community Achievement:
##Healthcare
Nnewi is home to a variety of healthcare institutions that provide essential medical services. One of the leading hospitals is the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), which offers specialized and comprehensive care. In addition to its clinical services, NAUTH also conducts undergraduate and postgraduate medical training and supports medical research. Other private healthcare facilities are spread across the city, contributing to the provision of health services.

##Education
Nnewi is a hub for both traditional and formal education, hosting a number of notable educational institutions. Some of these include:

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) for medical education,

Government secondary schools such as Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Maria Regina Secondary School, and Nnewi High School,

Private schools like Summit International School, The Good Shepherd School, and Dr. Alutu's College of Excellence.


These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities from primary through tertiary levels, contributing to the intellectual and professional development of the local population.

##Crime and Safety
While crime rates in Nnewi remain relatively low, there are occasional civil disputes, especially regarding land ownership and family inheritance. In recent years, there have been organized criminal attacks on the market square and banking institutions, with some of these incidents allegedly linked to local law enforcement.

In response to growing security concerns, there have been discussions about reinstating a local crime-fighting group known as the Bakkassi Boys. This vigilante group, which had previously operated in Nnewi in the late 1990s, was notorious for its brutal methods, including publicly executing convicted criminals. Despite being seen as a necessary measure at the time, the group faced strong opposition from human rights organizations, which condemned their actions as violations of fundamental rights.

Today, Nnewi remains relatively peaceful, although there are occasional incidents, including the kidnapping of prominent locals for ransom.

##Transportation
Motorcycles are the primary mode of transportation in Nnewi, with nearly every household owning at least one motorcycle. In addition, commercial motorcycles, shuttles, and tricycles are widely used for public transportation throughout the city.

Nnewi is also home to several transport and logistics businesses, which have played an integral role in the city’s economy since the end of World War II.

##Sports
The people of Nnewi have a strong sporting culture, particularly in football. The city is home to Gabros International F.C., now known as Ifeanyi Ubah FC, which won the 2016 Nigeria Federation Cup. In addition, Nnewi United Football Club was formed in 2017 to participate in the Nigeria National League.

Nnewi also boasts other sports activities such as lawn tennis and badminton, with local clubs and recreational centers like Beverly Hills Resort Recreational Club providing facilities for these sports. Local football leagues are organized annually, including the Afiaolu League during the Afiaolu festival in August and the December League around Christmas. These leagues are often sponsored by wealthy Nnewi residents and are organized by the city’s four main quarters, fostering community engagement and promoting local talent.

##Spirituality
Spirituality holds a significant place in the lives of the people of Nnewi, which is reflected in the abundance of places of worship and spiritual practices throughout the city. The majority of Nnewi residents, approximately 96%, identify as Christian, with smaller communities practicing other belief systems: 2% adhere to traditional beliefs, 0.2% are of the Jewish faith, 0.3% follow Islam, and 1.5% belong to other religions.

Within the Christian community, Catholic and Anglican denominations have the largest number of followers, with various Pentecostal Christian groups also playing an influential role.

Christianity was introduced to Southeastern Nigeria in the late 19th century with the arrival of the Holy Ghost missionaries from Gabon, who reached Onitsha under the leadership of Father Joseph Lutz on Saturday, December 5, 1885. In 1902, Father Joseph Shanahan joined the mission and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nnewi by 1905. The spread of the Catholic faith in Nnewi was further supported by the travels of Father Victor Duhaze, who journeyed from Ozubulu through Oguta and eventually reached Nnewi in 1906.

On the other hand, the Anglican Church established its presence in Nnewi from Obosi in 1893, although efforts to set up a church station in the area began as early as 1809. In the same year, there were requests from the people of Ozubulu and Nnewichi to establish a church in their respective areas. The people of Nnewi proudly maintain both their indigenous spiritual practices, known as Odinani, and their adoption of Christianity.

##Geography
Nnewi is situated in the tropical rainforest region of Nigeria. Although the area faces challenges such as soil leaching and erosion, which have left certain parts with sandy, porous terrain, it remains highly fertile and productive in agriculture. The city is located to the east of the Niger River, approximately 22 kilometers southeast of Onitsha in Anambra State, Nigeria.

##Prominent Figures

Mazi Afam Osigwe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)

Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Ifediaso Nnewi): Nigerian business magnate and investor, founder and CEO of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, the first indigenous automobile manufacturing company in Nigeria.

Engr. Obiajulu Gilbert Uzodike (OON): Founder of Cutix Plc in Nnewi, as well as the defunct Adtec Limited and Adswitch Plc.

Dr. Dozie Ikedife (Ikenga Nnewi): Former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Chief Augustine Ejikeme Ilodibe (Onwa na-etiri ora Nnewi): Founder of Ekene Dili Chukwu Transport Services.