The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has called on the Federal Government to establish a national framework for regulating e-hailing services across the country.
Kolawole Aina, AUATON’s South-West vice president, stressed the need for a unified regulatory system that benefits all stakeholders in the industry.
Speaking during an interview in Lagos, Aina noted the challenges faced by drivers using platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Indrive, explaining that state-level regulations in many parts of Nigeria have been unfavourable to drivers.
Out of the 26 states where e-hailing drivers operate, only 15 to 17 have regulatory frameworks, Aina said. This often prioritises state revenue and app companies’ interests over drivers’ welfare.
Aina further spoke on the importance of creating a regulatory structure that involves all stakeholders, including government agencies, app companies, drivers, and passengers. He criticised the current system, which places financial and operational burdens disproportionately on drivers and riders.
“Drivers are left to bear the burden of multiple taxes and operational challenges while the states and app companies benefit,” he said. Aina added that a federal framework would harmonise policies and promote fairness across the industry.
The AUATON Vice President further explained that a national regulatory framework could enhance security by introducing passenger profiling, similar to the profiling already done for drivers. This, he said, would help curb the kidnapping of e-hailing drivers and ensure safer operations. “Just as drivers are profiled, passengers should also undergo similar checks. This would significantly reduce the risks faced by drivers,” he suggested.
On taxation, Aina decried the heavy levies enforced on drivers by multiple authorities, calling for a streamlined system to ease their financial burden. “We are taxpayers and contribute to the economy, yet our voices are often ignored. A collaborative relationship between the government, app companies, and drivers is essential for seamless operations,” he said.
Aina revealed that AUATON has been advocating for this national framework for years and hosted a conference in 2024 to push for its implementation. Plans are ongoing for another conference in 2025, aimed at bringing together stakeholders to deliberate on solutions.
The union leader also appealed for improved collaboration between app companies, governments, and drivers to ensure seamless business operations. “We need a system where all parties work together for mutual benefit. Drivers, as taxpayers, deserve to have their voices heard,” Aina said.
AUATON, established in 2023, represents e-hailing drivers, food and courier delivery riders, and other app-based transport workers. The union was officially recognised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment after years of advocacy to address the concerns of app-based workers.
The union continues to push for policies that prioritise fairness, security, and economic benefits for all stakeholders in Nigeria’s e-hailing industry.
Gokada Inc., a Nigerian-based transportation and logistics startup, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.
Filed in 2024, the company pointed to accumulating financial challenges, including liabilities surpassing $5.4 million and limited assets valued at just over $564,000.
Details of the Filing
According to court documents, Gokada listed its principal assets as its 100% ownership in Gokada Rides Limited, an operational entity in Nigeria valued at $500,000, and $64,132.56 in cash held in a Silicon Valley Bank account.
The company’s liabilities included $5.3 million in nonpriority unsecured claims and $150,000 in secured debts tied to a loan from Deplacer LLC.
The filing reveals the company’s struggle to maintain its financial footing. CEO Olutosin Oni, who signed the bankruptcy petition, stated: “I have examined the information in this petition and have a reasonable belief that the information is true and correct.”
Revenue Decline
Court documents also revealed a decline in the company’s revenue. Gokada reported earnings of $268,779 in 2023, which fell to $118,988 in 2024 before its bankruptcy filing.
These financial setbacks, coupled with operational challenges in Nigeria’s highly competitive and regulated transportation market, pushed the company into insolvency.
Creditors and Claims
Among Gokada’s largest unsecured creditors are:
Rise Capital Gokada Holdings LLC: $1.2 million
Rise Capital III LP: $880,101
Amar Imam and Bashir Imam (Abu Dhabi Investment Authority): $286,504
Casper Johansen: $244,624
Smaller creditors include former vendors, legal counsel, and individual investors based in Nigeria, the U.S., and the United Arab Emirates.
Legal Representation
Gokada is represented by Gregory Hauswirth of Carothers & Hauswirth LLP. The filing indicates that legal expenses amounting to $73,262 were paid to Carothers & Hauswirth and Leech Tishman Robinson Brog PLLC in the lead-up to the bankruptcy.
Founded in 2018, Gokada aimed to enhance transportation and logistics in Nigeria but faced numerous limitations, including regulatory bans on motorcycles in Lagos.
These challenges forced the company to pivot to delivery and logistics services, which ultimately failed to generate sufficient revenue.
In 2024, Tesla Inc. recorded an 8.8% increase in sales, which reached over 657,000 vehicles, setting a new record in its second-largest market, China.
Recently, Tesla saw a decline in global deliveries, but in December alone, the company sold 83,000 vehicles in China, a 12.8% rise compared to the previous month.
With China accounting for 36.7% of Tesla’s total deliveries in 2024, the market is standing resilient even though competition keeps increasing from local players like BYD and global economic stresses.
However, while domestic sales in China surged, exports from Tesla’s Shanghai factory declined by 24%, resulting in a 3.3% decrease in overall sales of China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The factory, once a cornerstone of Tesla’s global supply chain, saw its weakest export performance since 2021.
Globally, Tesla’s deliveries fell by 1.1% in 2024, the first decline in the company’s history. Factors such as reduced subsidies in Europe, a shift towards lower-cost hybrid vehicles in the U.S., and higher competition contributed to the decline.
Again, the European Union’s imposition of a 7.8% tariff on Tesla cars manufactured in China compounded challenges for the automaker’s European operations.
Analysts attribute Tesla’s success in China to the country’s EV market, which accounted for 70% of global EV and hybrid sales in the first 11 months of 2024. According to industry data, over 90% of the global increase in EV sales during the year originated from China.
John Zeng, a market forecaster at GlobalData, noted that China remains the sole major market experiencing growth in EV sales, contrasting with declines or stagnation in other regions.
While Tesla maintained its top position in EV sales with 1.79 million deliveries, it faced competition from BYD. The Chinese automaker achieved a 12.1% growth in EV sales, delivering 1.76 million vehicles globally.
BYD also made strides in international markets, with overseas shipments increasing by 71.9% to over 417,000 units, though it fell short of its export target of 450,000 vehicles.
Tesla and BYD continued their rivalry in China’s increasingly competitive EV market. Tesla extended financial incentives for its popular Model Y and Model 3 cars, including zero-interest financing and cash discounts, as part of efforts to sustain demand.
Meanwhile, BYD bolstered its market position with its Dynasty and Ocean series, which have driven significant sales growth domestically and abroad.
With the move away from combustion engines towards electric vehicles (EVs), sales of EVs across the world have increased, and with that, so has the expansion of its corresponding infrastructure.
Nigeria is witnessing a growing interest in EVs, spurred by the government’s push for clean energy and private-sector initiatives.
Sideview of an EV bus
Although EV adoption remains in its early stages, efforts to establish a sustainable EV ecosystem are gaining traction, with projections indicating significant market growth over the next decade.
In terms of infrastructure growth, the number of available charging stations in Nigeria has gradually increased.
As of recent years, only a handful of charging points exist in urban areas such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
However, government-backed initiatives like solar-powered charging stations are expected to accelerate growth. Despite this progress, the ratio between available charging stations and electric vehicles remains wide, signaling a need for rapid infrastructure expansion to support EV adoption.
As charging stations become more widespread, new challenges arise, especially when it comes to protecting them and their customers.
This is where smart video and video analytics come into play. To store, analyze, and enable real-time alerts, these systems must come with an appropriate data storage infrastructure providing the capacity, performance, security, and resilience for current and future EV stations.
Primed for Success: Smart Video and EV Charging Stations
EV charging station in Nigeria
When it comes to the successful expansion of charging station infrastructure, an important component that may not always be considered is a reliable monitoring system to protect the facilities.
With the increasing number of charging points in both urban and remote areas, operators need to have an overview of activity at the sites at all times.
To pave the way for safety and success, EV station owners in Nigeria are turning to AI-enabled security cameras that offer innovative features to revolutionize the way operators protect their property.
These smart video devices can help distinguish between natural elements, vehicles, animals, as well as people, and can send alerts in the case of unforeseen events or unusual behavior.
With ever-improving resolution quality, from 4K to 8K and beyond, as well as advancements like motion sensors, new cameras enable object tracking, significantly reducing false alarms.
Over recent years, EV stations globally, including in Nigeria, have faced risks such as cable and battery theft, vandalism, and other forms of destruction. This not only leads to financial losses but also affects the reliability and availability of the stations.
Video analysis can help protect against and prevent vandalism before it occurs or catch the perpetrators in the act.
This is because AI-enabled cameras can optically zoom in, analyze the target automatically, and take a picture or record a video of the conspicuous event.
In addition, intelligent video can use algorithms to detect other threats such as fire or animals. For example, a situation can be assessed if a wildfire or electrical fault has broken out near the charging station, and fire detection can be useful to take effective measures against the spread of potentially dangerous events and minimize the damage to the station and surrounding areas.
It also allows EV owners to detect approaching animals, such as stray livestock, which could potentially cause damage to the installation.
These AI-enabled smart video systems not only place new demands on the equipment but also on the data storage infrastructure powering video analytics.
Capacity, latency, and bandwidth become crucially important when recording, streaming, and analyzing high-resolution footage to take quick action.
Data Storage is Fueling EV Charging Station Security
Storage is a critical component to unlocking the full potential of smart video data.
When designing infrastructure, EV station owners in Nigeria need high-capacity storage at the edge in the camera, in the server or recorder, as well as on the cloud or the data center that offers low latency, high performance, and quick scalability. Another important consideration in smart video is video and data retention time.
This could vary according to regulatory compliance, redundancy and backup practices, or longevity or reliability of the storage solution.
This means that any storage solution for smart video features should enable long-term storage without compromising performance while complying with data protection regulations.
Translating these requirements into reality, a 360° smart video camera recording in full HD at 25 frames per second (fps) for 24 hours generates approximately 2.5TB of data over a specified retention period, usually around 90 days.
To have sufficient storage capacity for these daily streams of an EV charging station, the backend must have at least 225TB.
To meet these demands, EV station operators in Nigeria need customized storage solutions that support these new AI workloads and associated storage requirements.
As video analytics and deep learning for today’s intelligent video solutions are performed both on-premise and in the cloud, it is important to provide a scalable, cost-effective, and durable, yet high-performance storage infrastructure.
EV station operators can obtain highly resilient, durable on-camera storage of up to 256 gigabytes (GB) in the form of microSD cards at the edge of the network, supporting card health monitoring capabilities, preemptive storage management, and reliability for continuous 24/7 high-definition video recording.
Specially designed microSD cards, such as those from WD Purple, can continue recording even if the connection to the network video recorder (NVR) is interrupted. For reliable storage at the core, decision-makers should look to purpose-built hard disk drives (HDDs) that offer up to 22TB of storage and are equipped with advanced features.
These enable up to 32 AI streams for deep learning analysis within the system while reducing image failures.
In addition, these HDDs, designed for intelligent video environments, are also optimized to handle up to 64 additional single-stream HD cameras, allowing for easy scalability as requirements change.
As the uptake of EVs continues to grow in Nigeria, charging station owners should set themselves up for success and position themselves to benefit from the investment in this growing infrastructure.
An important part of this will be the right smart video infrastructure that allows operators to monitor and improve the security and functionality of their stations, as well as detect and respond to events in real time.
As part of this, video data and data storage will continue to fuel the potential in this industry to ensure safety, security, and incident prevention.
In a bid to ensure supply security at affordable prices for its customers, Ardova Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading integrated downstream oil and gas companies, has established a bulk purchase framework with Dangote Refinery.
This was revealed in a statement by the Head of Brands and Corporate Communications, Ardova Plc, Grant Onome on Monday.
According to the statement, the partnership will see Ardova Plc take a full slate of petroleum products from the refinery.
While Ardova Plc has been a significant off-taker from the refinery since its inception, Onome said the new framework will institutionalise a more robust relationship between the two companies to enhance further the emerging competitive landscape in the downstream oil and gas industry in the country.
“This framework is in line with President Tinubu’s drive for competition and improved efficiency in the industry, and Ardova Plc will deliver products at competitive prices nationwide,” the statement read in part.
The development comes following the recent commencement of crude oil refining by Dangote Refinery, Port Harcourt Refinery, and Warri Refinery.
Dangote Refinery recently also partnered with MRS to sell Premium Motor Spirit or petrol at ₦935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets.
The development came after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited also slashed prices below ₦1,000 per litre.
Speaking about the deal, Aliko Dangote said “To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” the statement added.
In the statement, Dangote called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”
According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high-quality petrol at cheaper prices.
“Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high-quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.”
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, along with other authorities in the aviation industry, has agreed to extend operational hours to 10 PM at sunset airports.
Sunset airports are those that currently operate between 7 AM and 7 PM due to the lack of night-flying facilities.
In the communique at the end of the meeting signed by the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the agency said the development was part of measures to address incidents of flight disruptions, especially at airports without 24-hour operation.
But at the stakeholders’ meeting convened by the NCAA to resolve rising flight disruptions held at the NCAA Annex in Lagos, it was agreed that airport operational hours will be extended to 10:00 pm for sunset airports with facilities and adequate lighting.
The meeting was attended by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, representatives of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), as well as Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) led by Vice-President, Mr. Allen Onyema, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace.
The meeting was convened to address widespread flight disruptions caused by the harmattan season and other operational challenges while it focused on finding lasting solutions through collaboration and effective policy implementation.
At the meeting, Ag. Director-General Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo disclosed that out of 5,291 flights operated in September 2024; 2,434 were delayed while 79 were cancelled.
He added that out of 5,513 flights operated in October 2024, 2791 were delayed while 111 flights were cancelled.
Airlines were advised to optimise or trim their flight schedules to a manageable size and maintain standby aircraft to manage Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations.
“It was also agreed that weather forecasts from NIMET should be utilised for better flight scheduling.”
The meeting further condemned the rising incidents of unruly behaviours by passengers who sometimes beat up airline staff over flight delays or cancellations.
It was also agreed that sensitisation campaigns on unruly passenger behaviour will be jointly conducted by NCAA and FAAN, with a public statement to be issued.
The communique added, “AVSEC officials are to deploy promptly during passenger agitations at the airports and de-escalate aggression professionally.
“Efforts are underway with local leaders to address waste management and other environmental issues near airports, to help reduce bird strike risks.
“Unauthorised access to tarmacs will not be tolerated, and stricter security measures will be enforced.”
Also, the meeting encouraged airlines to collaborate on luggage and passenger handling, (re-protection) following the example of Ibom Air’s partnerships.
“Passengers should be informed formally when luggage is removed due to space or weight limitations,” it added.
Similarly, airlines expressed concerns over negative media narratives and called for investigations into defamatory reporting.
The resolution added, “Passengers must be educated on weather-related disruptions and their implications on flight schedules.”
“Airlines must during disruptions mandatorily provide information, CARE, refreshments, rerouting options and hotel accommodation as applicable and process all passenger refunds for tickets as stipulated by Nig. CARs 2023 Part 19 (immediately for cash purchases and within two weeks for online purchases), as mandated by the DGCA. Delayed/loss/missing/ pilfered luggage complaints must be addressed speedily with appropriate compensation offered,” the communique added.
Meanwhile, the NCAA has clarified that the recent sanctions imposed on five airlines were strictly on consumer protection and not due to safety concerns.
Five airlines were recently sanctioned by the apex aviation regulatory authority over delays in the payment of refunds to passengers within the stipulated time frame in Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023.
Achimugu, however, clarified that contrary to reports making the rounds in some sections of the media, the sanctions initiated against the five airlines were for consumer protection-related infractions and not for safety concerns.
The five airlines include Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airways, Air Peace, Arik Air and Aero Contractors.
One other major decision reached at the meeting was the establishment of mobile courts to address incidents involving unruly passengers.
Bolt, the leading mobility platform in Nigeria, has released its Bolt Rewind 2024, revealing fascinating trends about rider and driver behaviour globally and within Nigeria over the past 12 months.
Since launching in Lagos in 2016, Bolt has expanded to 33 cities nationwide, continuing to redefine urban transportation.
According to the data, Friday retained its spot as the most popular day of the week for Bolt riders in Nigeria, mirroring last year’s trend. Across the country, rides frequently started from airports and restaurants, showcasing Bolt’s integral role in facilitating seamless travel and dining experiences.
A record rider completed 1,719 trips, an impressive leap from 1,336 trips in 2023. The top driver completed 7,287 trips, reflecting dedication and the growing demand for Bolt’s services.
A remarkable distance of 21094.461 km was recorded for the longest trip taken in Nigeria in 2024.
Globally, the Bolt Business category showed its growing influence, with the highest number of rides taken in Bangkok, Johannesburg, and Asunción.
Businesses predominantly used Bolt on Fridays, with most trips happening between 5 pm and 6 pm, underscoring the platform’s role in supporting professionals in bustling urban centers.
Osi Oguah, the general manager at Bolt Nigeria said: “As we celebrate the end of 2024, we’d like to thank every one of our customers who took a Bolt trip with us. With this data, we can see how much our services have become part of the urban fabric in Nigeria. Together with our 200 million customers and 4.5 million drivers, we look forward to a new year of taking more steps towards our mission to make cities for people, not cars in Nigeria.”
Bolt’s impressive performance over the year reflects its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient mobility solutions, empowering both riders and drivers while reshaping the way cities move.
Osamu Suzuki, who grew small-car specialist Suzuki Motor into an international brand with huge successes in India, died Wednesday at age 94 after bouts with cancer, the company said Friday.
Under the charismatic businessman’s four-decade leadership through 2021, the firm’s sales grew more than 10-fold.
Born on January 30, 1930, in the central Japanese region of Gifu, he married into the firm’s founding family and later became its president in 1978.
Calling himself an “old man at a small business,” he focused on building lightweight “kei” vehicles, many of which became big hits for their fuel efficiency and easy-to-handle quality.
He also actively sought international partners and opportunities overseas to expand his business.
The carmaker once tied up with General Motors and Volkswagen and also forged a capital alliance with Toyota in 2019.
He expanded in India, where the company’s subsidiary now occupies the top market position.
When he retired as the firm’s chairman in 2021, the company’s sales stood at 3.18 trillion yen ($20 billion).
When he took over the company in 1978, the firm’s sales stood at 323 billion yen, according to the Nikkei Shimbun business daily.
The Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria has released a new price list for transport fares to 12 states.
The transportation fare rebate is based on the 50 per cent palliative provided by the FGN.
RTEAN is among the five transport unions/companies partnering with the Federal Government in the transport palliative scheme.
Aside from RTEAN, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria, Good is Good Motors, and the National Association of Road Transport Owners, also signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government to ease the transportation burden of Nigerians willing to travel between December 24, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
Barely 72 hours after the Federal Government through the Ministry of Transportation commenced the transport palliative to support Nigerians during the Yuletide, GIGM and the RTEAN seem to be the ones working.
The government said it would pay 50 per cent of the transport fare of the travellers, as it commenced free rail transportation for citizens on December 20, 2024.
According to Punch report, Yusuf Ibrahim, the national general secretary of the RTEAN confirmed the list as;
Abuja to either Asaba or Akwa would now cost N17,500, while
Abuja to Abakaliki or Dutse would cost N12,500 and N7,500 respectively.
The list further showed that
Lagos to Benin costs N7,500;
Lagos to Onitsha, Katsina, or Lafia costs 15,000;
Lagos to Bauchi or Jigawa costs N12,500.
Lagos to Kebbi or Yola in Adamawa costs 20,000.
The RTEAN secretary said the areas listed for the Yuletide Transport fares slashes were some of the routes the government had apportioned to the union.
He said the union has been executing the transport palliative in accordance with the transport ministry’s dictates.
Ibrahim said,
“If you visit any of the designated packs, you will find out that our buses are either present or have left for their state of destination.
“Just as seen on that list, those are parts of the routes given to us and there are many buses we have been ordered to load daily. In some states, we have nine buses, some 12 buses. Once we get to that quota, other persons will board the vehicles at normal prices.
“Left to us we would be interested to ply the entire country but we can only act in accordance to their dictates.”
At Oshodi Park in Lagos and Kuto garage in Ogun, only the GIGM buses were seen loading in Lagos under the 50 per cent transport palliative scheme. All other buses were charging their usual 100 per cent fare prices.
With logistics representing a $1.34 billion in Africa, the demand for innovative delivery solutions has never been greater
Nigerians face numerous hurdles when it comes to moving packages, ranging from delays and high costs to a lack of secure options
Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, has launched operations today, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.
By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.
Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.
With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engineer Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held today at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”
“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient.
“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.
He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.
“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in other country outside Nigeria but for their believe in the Nigeria dream and its potentials made us to choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, the CEO said. “Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.
Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.
In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi,
“Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.
“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.
Ozi Goes Live
To enhance security further, Azubuike said that the startup offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.
“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the CTO added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”
“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.
“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.
Ikenna Ani added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025. Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.
Ride-hailing giant, Bolt, has wrapped up its Driver Club Rewards Campaign, designed to honour and celebrate the exceptional contributions of its top drivers nationwide.
Held from November 1 to November 30, 2024, the campaign recognised over 50 outstanding drivers, rewarding them with exciting prizes in appreciation of their dedication, hard work, and exceptional service.
The rewards included items such as Smart TVs, Smart Watches, Car Vacuum Cleaners, and essential food supplies. Added to these, winners received shopping vouchers to support their personal and family needs during the festive season.
The rewards were distributed to drivers from 15 cities across Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Calabar, Kano, Kaduna, Zaria, Ilorin, Ibadan, Warri, Enugu, Owerri, Yenagoa, Jos, and Uyo.
Osi Oguah, general manager at Bolt Nigeria said:“Our drivers are the backbone of Bolt, and we believe in recognizing their dedication and contributions to providing excellent service to riders. The Driver Club Rewards Campaign is one of the many ways we are showing our appreciation to our drivers. It’s our way of saying thank you and motivating them to keep delivering exceptional experiences to our customers.”
Drivers who participated in the campaign expressed their gratitude for the recognition and support from Bolt.
A driver from Lagos, Godwin Onoabhagbe, shared his excitement: “Being rewarded for my work means a lot to me. It shows that Bolt truly values us as partners. The prizes and shopping voucher will go a long way in making this season extra special for my family and me.”
Since the beginning of the Bolt Driver Club Rewards Campaign, Bolt has rewarded participating drivers with several amazing prizes worth over N50,000,000.
The company remains focused on empowering drivers across Nigeria through various initiatives, campaigns, and support programs.
Bolt is leading the way in creating opportunities for drivers to achieve financial independence while delivering convenient and reliable transportation services to millions of riders.
To sustain operational excellence and boost the human capital development of its workforce, Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT), Apapa has trained 250 team members on Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt continuous improvement methodology.
Lean Six Sigma certification, a globally recognized standard, is a powerful approach to process and quality improvement across industries.
A cross section of participants at the TICT Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training held at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa
It fosters a collaborative team effort to improve performance by systematically removing process waste and reducing process variation.
According to Tai Fadipe-Davids, the head of Process Excellence for TICT, the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training was a key milestone to align the team with the Company’s vision of promoting efficiency improvements in its operations – and towards the larger Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He said:
“The Maritime industry is increasingly competitive with various players emerging. The onus is on us to promote organisational efficiency and one way to do this is to embark on training our staff on the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. For this training, we examined the basics of Lean Six Sigma concepts, principles & tools, Voice of the Customer, Next Operation as Customer, Quality at the Source. Our goal is to have all of our team understand the basic lean processes as a preliminary step to our Process Excellence journey”.
Etienne Rocher, Managing Director, Tincan Island Container Terminal, presenting a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training certificate to Emmanuel Adenipekun, Head of Procurement, Tincan Island Container Terminal. The training was held at Rockview Hotel, Apapa.
Etienne Rocher, country managing director, AGL (Tincan Island Container Terminal), hinted that the Company is always looking for ways to maximise efficiency in its operations.
Etienne Rocher, (m), Managing Director, Tincan Island Container Terminal and other staff at the TICT Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training held at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa
“As an organisation with a global interface, we have continued to adopt global tools that have helped streamline our operations. Our Process Excellence journey that is now in progress is a key step that we have taken as a Company to develop our team and foster an even stronger collaborative improvement culture. Our end goal is that our customers and clients see an always better version of TICT emerge, as we remain committed to provide them with top-notch services”, Rocher said.
In a significant development for individuals looking to acquire new automobiles this season, Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has partnered with CIG Motors, the powerhouse behind popular automobile brand, GAC Motors.
The partnership, formally signed at the GAC G-Style showroom, aims to simplify the rigorous process of owning a brand-new vehicle, with a flexi-repayment structure, and a 10 per cent discount rate on all vehicles purchased within 12 months.
As part of this collaboration, CIG Motors is also giving a five (5) year warranty on all its GAC vehicle models.
The partnership will also provide incentives to customers purchasing through the Stanbic IBTC Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) product.
This initiative comes at a time when many individuals and families are seeking affordable ways to own cars.
Jubril Arogundade, executive director, CIG Motors, expressed delight at the partnership stating that,
“Through this partnership, Nigerians are guaranteed to experience a premium and hassle-free process in owning brand new vehicles that suit their taste”.
CIG Motors’ expertise in the automobile sector, enhanced by Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) scheme, will allow equal opportunity for customers to own cars without stress or worry”, He added.
CIG Motors is a renowned automobile company known for cutting-edge designs and reliable automobile brand.
The scheme is open to individuals Nigerians (including the self-employed), and businesses seeking to expand their fleets.
During the event, Olu Delano, Executive Director, Personal & Private Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, emphasised that, “The collaboration enhances the purchasing power of our customers, enabling them to access a broad range of brand-new vehicles under CIG Motors. It also highlights our commitment to fostering economic growth in the communities we serve.
L-R: Senboye Daniel, Zonal Head, Vehicle and Asset Finance, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Funmi Akinsanmi, Zonal Head, Vehicle and Asset Finance, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Jubril Arogundade, Executive Director, CIG Motors; Olu Delano, Executive Director, Personal & Private Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Temitope Aruna, Head, Vehicles and Asset Finance, Stanbic IBTC Bank; and Taiwo Ala, Head, Products, Stanbic IBTC Bank, during the deal signing ceremony between Stanbic IBTC and CIG Motors, held recently in Lagos.
“Stanbic IBTC Bank and CIG Motors’ collaboration illustrates a broader trend of growth between financial institutions and automobile manufacturers,” he added.
As the automotive market expands, collaborations like Stanbic IBTC Bank and CIG Motors are crucial for promoting customer satisfaction and fostering loyalty.
The combination of quality vehicles and favourable financial solutions is set to transform the car-buying experience, making it efficient and enjoyable.
Honda Cars and Nissan Motor are reportedly exploring a potential merger to strengthen their competitiveness against electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, especially in China.
Sources suggest that this collaboration could enhance their ability to compete with major industry players like Toyota, as well as EV giants such as Tesla and BYD.
The merger is still in its early discussion stages, and one possibility is that a new holding company could be formed to manage the merged operations.
In March, the two Japanese automakers agreed to explore a strategic partnership for electric vehicles.
Both firms responded to the BBC with identical statements, which said: “As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other’s strengths.”
Many car brands are facing increasing competition as the industry transitions from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric ones, with production in China experiencing significant growth.
Honda and Nissan, Japan’s second and third largest car manufacturers behind Toyota, have been losing market share in China, which accounted for nearly 70% of global electric vehicle (EV) sales in November.
In 2023, the two brands combined for global sales of 7.4 million vehicles, but they are finding it difficult to compete with more affordable EV makers like BYD, which experienced a surge in quarterly revenues, surpassing Tesla’s for the first time in October.
Honda and Nissan have not denied the story, which was first reported by Japanese business newspaper The Nikkei, but said it was “not something that has been announced by either company”.
“If there are any updates, we will inform our stakeholders at the appropriate time.”
The two companies agreed in March to cooperate in their EV businesses, and in August deepened their ties, agreeing to work together on batteries and other technology.
In August, the two companies also announced an agreement with Mitsubishi to discuss intelligence and electrification.
“The thought that some of these smaller players can survive and thrive is getting more challenging, especially when you add on the complexity of all the additional Chinese manufacturers who have come in and are competing quite strongly,” said Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell.
“It’s just sort of necessary to survive, not only to survive, but also just to afford the future.”
Uber has introduced Store Pickups, an innovative product designed to help consumers conveniently pick up or deliver parcels and purchased items, making same-day deliveries faster and easier this festive season.
Through the Courier product (formerly known as Uber Package), users can book a delivery driver to collect prepaid items from stores, whether purchased in-store or online. This service caters to the growing demand for quick and hassle-free delivery solutions.
“We aim to stay close to the evolving needs of our consumer base and the introduction of Store Pickups with Courier demonstrates this understanding. With Courier, one can send or receive items and also have purchased items picked up in-store, providing convenience for consumers and allowing them to spend more time with loved ones this festive season,” said Tope Akinwumi, country manager, Nigeria, Uber.
With Store Pickups, one can upload a picture of his or her receipt and provide specific instructions for the driver regarding where and how to pick up the items. Additionally, the driver can interact with the store on the customer’s behalf.
To use the service, consumers simply need to prepare the item for pickup, select “Courier” on the Uber app, choose the delivery type (send or receive), input the pickup and delivery addresses, and review the terms and conditions.
Upon confirmation of the request, the consumer can monitor the delivery progress in real-time via the app.
Safety remains a core principle that Uber embeds into all products and services. With Store Pickups, users can take advantage of Live Tracking, which allows them to follow the pickup and delivery of their items, and PIN Verification, which provides a unique PIN that the delivery person can use to verify that the correct item has been collected or delivered.
The Uber Store Pickups is currently available in Lagos, with plans to extend availability to other key cities in the near future.
