Diana Chen, chair of CIG Group, talking with graduating college students of the Lagride Academy
LagRide, the good mobility and e-hailing platform operated by CIG Group in partnership with the Lagos State Authorities, is rolling out 10,000 new drivers and autos forward of the ember months, a interval usually marked by site visitors congestion and surging demand for transport in Lagos.
The initiative, backed by a brand new automobile leasing scheme with Nigerian banks, goals to strengthen mobility infrastructure whereas empowering native drivers with inexpensive entry to autos. Every lease comes with a pathway to possession, full insurance coverage cowl, upkeep assist and versatile reimbursement buildings linked to kilometres pushed.
Chief Diana Chen, chair of CIG Group, stated the growth is designed to satisfy rising transport demand whereas creating financial alternatives. “Lagos turns into the heartbeat of Africa in the course of the ember months. Church buildings fill, households reunite and our diaspora comes house. LagRide exists in order that motion across the metropolis is dignified, secure and joyful. By becoming a member of forces with Nigerian banks, we’re handing the steering wheel of that have to empowered native entrepreneurs,” she stated.
A crowded ride-hailing market
The Lagos ride-hailing market has grown quickly over the previous decade, dominated by world gamers like Uber and Bolt. Each firms at the moment function 1000’s of drivers within the metropolis however face mounting complaints from customers about excessive surge pricing, automobile high quality and security considerations, particularly throughout festive durations.
LagRide, launched in 2022 as a public-private initiative, is positioning itself as a homegrown various with state-backed assist, strict security protocols and an built-in coaching academy. Not like its rivals, the corporate ties automobile entry to structured financing, which ensures drivers aren’t solely operators however potential homeowners.
Based on trade analysts, Lagos data over 1 million every day ride-hailing requests, with spikes throughout December when concert events, weddings and church occasions stretch mobility choices. Analysts say including 10,000 autos might ease bottlenecks whereas forcing rivals to rethink pricing and repair supply.
Coaching and security requirements
All incoming drivers can be skilled by means of the LagRide Academy, which covers customer support, street security, monetary literacy and first assist. Graduates are anticipated to earn between ₦250,000 and ₦400,000 month-to-month, with high performers qualifying for automobile possession in as little as six months.
Every automobile can be fitted with security options equivalent to panic buttons, driver-facing cameras and diagnostic feeds linked to LagRide’s command centres. These options, the corporate stated, are designed to lift requirements and differentiate the service from present gamers available in the market.
Jubril Arogundade, appearing managing director of LagRide Nigeria Restricted, stated the programme is a part of a broader technique to satisfy world requirements whereas responding to Lagos-specific challenges. “The brand new leasing programme provides drivers a clear path to proudly owning the vehicles they drive whereas elevating service high quality for riders,” he famous.
September rollout
The primary batch of bank-financed vehicles is predicted to hit Lagos roads earlier than the tip of September, giving the service a head begin earlier than the December journey surge. The corporate says its growth additionally gives alternatives for non-drivers, who can lease autos and have interaction skilled drivers, successfully turning transport into an funding channel.
Chen added that the initiative was about greater than vehicles and finance. “This programme is about dignity of labor, satisfaction of service and the liberty for each Lagosian to maneuver with confidence,” she stated.
Business watchers say LagRide’s scale-up might intensify competitors in Lagos’ transport market, the place effectivity, security and affordability stay essential ache factors for commuters.
