This initiative is aimed at spotlighting the everyday transportation and delivery challenges faced by Lagos residents while celebrating the resilience, humour and ingenuity with which they navigate these issues.

According to inDrive’s management, the Chief Wahala Officer role involves identifying various forms of Lagos Wahala, helping to alleviate transportation and delivery stress, navigating the city’s notorious traffic and representing the concerns of Lagosians during frustrating transport moments.

To qualify, applicants must have at least 5 years’ experience navigating Lagos, demonstrate familiarity with local movement patterns and delivery challenges, and remain composed under pressure.

Preference will be given to individuals with strong community influence, engaging personalities, public-speaking skills, and an understanding of the realities faced by small businesses and everyday commuters.

Two applicants with the best qualifications for the CWO role will also be selected and rewarded with a cash prize of N1 million and N500,000 respectively.

Speaking on the campaign, Oladimeji Timothy, the country manager, inDrive Nigeria, noted that beyond its entertainment value, the Chief Wahala Officer initiative seeks to strengthen connections between the company and the communities it serves by encouraging authentic storytelling and user participation.

Oladimeji explained that the initiative is designed to resonate with Lagos residents who regularly contend with traffic congestion, delivery delays, unpredictable weather, and other challenges of navigating the city.

“At inDrive, we believe that understanding people’s everyday experiences is essential to building solutions that truly serve them. Lagos is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, but it also comes with its own unique movement challenges. Through the Chief Wahala Officer hiring, we want to celebrate the people who navigate these realities every day while creating a fun, relatable platform for conversations about urban mobility,” he said.

The initiative invites Lagosians with firsthand experience of the city’s unique movement challenges to apply for the role by sharing relatable content on TikTok or Instagram using the hashtag #inDriveCWO and tagging @indrive.ng.

Oladimeji Timothy, the country representative, inDrive Nigeria, disclosed this during a workshop held at the Art of Technology Lagos 7.0 on Thursday, December 4, 2025.

Oladimeji explained that since 2021, when inDrive established its presence in Nigeria, the ride-hailing company has been instrumental in supporting mobility while also creating jobs for Nigerians, and providing access to affordable transportation across seven cities.

“It has been a worthwhile journey with Nigerians, and we are very proud of how far we have come together from being the underdog to being the Number 2 largest ride-hailing player in Nigeria today. It is no small feat. We have Nigerians to thank for this,” he said.

He noted that despite increasing economic pressure resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies, the ride-hailing company has continued to offer fair pricing to passengers and drivers, while also embarking on initiatives to support the welfare of its drivers.

He further explained that the company’s principle of fairness and transparency has enabled the driver to choose profitable trips, even as the platform offers passengers the right to select a driver of their preference.

During a breakout session titled ‘From Fuel to Future: The Rise of E-mobility in Nigeria’, Oladimeji said that with the rise in fuel cost, many drivers or fleet owners are more likely to switch to EVs.

He emphasised the significance of building a robust electric vehicle ecosystem to promote adoption among drivers and fleet owners due to the low level of awareness and education regarding the access and operational costs of EVs in Nigeria.

Explaining that financing and charging infrastructure remain significant challenges hindering the mass adoption of electric vehicles in Nigeria, he said.

“We need to increase education about EV access among Nigerian drivers and the general public, informing them how it will lower operational costs.

It is a journey that all stakeholders must be ready to undertake so that people can develop a more positive attitude toward acquiring EVs. It is a marathon, not a sprint,” he added.

However, beyond awareness, he was also convinced that it has become imperative for players in the E-mobility space to develop a financing model that will help Nigerians access funding for EVs.

Financing is a significant obstacle to EV adoption in Nigeria. There are many misconceptions about the cost of owning EVs in Nigeria. Many people are unaware that drivers often pay a substantial amount when they purchase a car through hire purchase. The cost of financing EVs is high, but their operational expenses are lower. The primary challenge with EVs is the lack of available financing options,” he said.

InDrive was also awarded the ‘Service Transformation Leadership Award’ at the event, which reinforces its place within the sector.

Designed to educate users on safety practices in ride-hailing services, Oladimeji Timothy, Senior Business Development Manager at inDrive Nigeria, highlighted the importance of user education in ensuring immunity. 

“Safety is a major concern for us,” said Timothy. “Our application prioritizes user feedback, and we understand the importance of educating users about available safety tools.”

Representing the Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Ojiowuro Olasunkanmi, Director of Transport Operations, said: “Safety is key in transportation. Public transportation systems can help reduce traffic congestion and promote safer roads, but people do not use public transportation due to safety reasons.”

Focusing on the role of infrastructure and technology in enhancing safety measures, Engr. Olasunkanmi discussed the government’s efforts to improve road conditions and enforce traffic regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.

The integration of technology, such as real-time trip data-sharing agreements, was highlighted as a very essential step in enhancing safety and security for both drivers and passengers. “Utilizing technology allows us to respond quickly to safety incidents and deploy appropriate resources,” emphasized Engr. Olasunkanmi.

“With data sharing agreements, we can trace trips online and verify driver credentials, ensuring compliance with safety standards.”

This data-sharing agreement between the Lagos Ministry of Transportation and ride-hailing companies allows real-time trip data to be shared, facilitating quicker responses from emergency services in case of accidents or other incidents.

“Technology removes human error and enhances efficiency in traffic management. Automated systems like ANPR (Automated Number-Plate Recognition) aid in tracking offenders and improving road safety.” 

Funmilayo Omoseyin, Chief Superintendent of Police, reiterated the importance of road safety, stating, “Following traffic laws and regulations is important to ensure safety on our roads.”

She emphasized the necessity for drivers to receive proper training from accredited driving schools, “Drivers must undergo training from reputable driving schools to ensure they are prepared with the necessary skills to operate their vehicles safely.”

Highlighting the essence of valid driving licenses, tailored to the type of vehicle being operated, Omoseyin said, “Having a valid driving license that corresponds to the vehicle being driven is essential for road safety.” 

She further pointed to the importance of obeying traffic signals, such as traffic lights, among others, to prevent accidents and maintain order on the roads. “Engaging in reckless behaviours like speeding or disregarding traffic signs poses a high risk to road safety.”

Stressing the dangers of using mobile phones while driving, Omoseyin said this can distract drivers and increase the likelihood of accidents. 

The importance of regular vehicle maintenance to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures, was another critical issue. “Regular vehicle maintenance is important to ensuring that vehicles are in proper working condition and safe to operate.”

She urged drivers to prioritize safety over convenience and financial considerations, as the consequences of reckless driving can be severe and even fatal.

Oladimeji Timothy went on to point out the importance of verifying details before taking action. He said: “When unsure, even if it seems genuine, don’t do it. Using a simple ‘wait’ rather than jumping into action can prevent loss or damage of property.”

He emphasized the need for passengers to report incidents promptly, saying, “The first thing you want to do when you have such a situation is to report it. No matter how small, reporting incidents helps us address safety concerns effectively.”

InDrive Safety Measures for Passengers: Before, During, and After the Trip

The safety measures highlighted in the conversation, categorized by the stages of your trip with inDrive were as follows:

Before Your Trip

• Verify driver details: Ensure the driver’s photo, car model, and license number plate match what’s displayed on the app. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or cancel the ride if anything seems off.
• Confirm your identity: Don’t disclose your name first. Politely ask the driver to confirm your name as displayed in the app.
• Review driver ratings: Check the driver’s rating and feedback from previous passengers to get an idea of their experience and professionalism.
• Share your trip with a trusted contact: This lets someone you trust track your location throughout the ride.
• Keep in-app communication: For data protection reasons, it’s best to communicate with the driver through the in-app chat function. Avoid exchanging personal details via text message or WhatsApp.

During Your Trip

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to where you are and what’s happening around you.
• Use the safety features: inDrive offers a direct line to emergency contacts and an “in case of emergency” number (767) you can program with important contacts.

After Your Trip

• Report any incidents: If you experience any safety issues during your ride, report them immediately through the app’s support feature.
• Leave feedback: Rate your driver and leave honest feedback about your experience. This helps improve safety for future passengers.

Additional Tips

• Choose a safe pick-up/drop-off location: If you feel unsafe about a location, request to be dropped off at a well-lit and populated area.
• Avoid disclosing personal information: Don’t share unnecessary personal details with the driver.
• Trust your instincts: If you feel uncomfortable at any point, end the ride and report the incident.

The safe driving practices to reduce road accidents as highlighted in the discussion included avoiding driving under the influence, maintaining vehicle health, using seat belts, avoiding phone use while driving, and obeying traffic laws.

The inDrive Safety Education Event raised awareness about safety in the ride-hailing industry. As Oladimeji Timothy concluded, “I hope this event turns out to be educative and shapes the safety mindset of everyone.” 

Collaboration between all stakeholders, including ride-hailing companies, government agencies, and users themselves, is essential to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system.

Oladimeji Timothy, Business Development Representative for inDrive in Nigeria, reflected on the remarkable journey that had brought inDrive from its humble beginnings to becoming a global Unicorn.

The occasion was not just about merriment; it was an opportunity to express gratitude, especially to the media, whose relentless support had been instrumental in promoting the brand. As Oladimeji Timothy, expressed, “People call us inDrive because of the stories you tell about us.” Indeed, the power of storytelling played a key role in shaping inDrive’s identity.

inDrive’s story began on June 23, 2013, when a group of innovative minds decided to challenge the injustice of inflated transportation costs. Their solution was simple yet groundbreaking: leverage technology to connect drivers with passengers, ensuring fair prices and fostering a sense of community. 

This initiative sparked the inception of inDrive, formerly known as inDriver, in a University community where students came together to solve a real-world problem.

The company’s growth is commendable. By 2015, just two years after its inception, inDrive had expanded to 80 cities, amassing one million app installs. The momentum only accelerated from there. In 2017, they reached a significant milestone: 100 million rides completed and a team of 140 dedicated employees.

inDrive’s impact extended globally, reaching 131 cities by the end of 2017. In 2018, their expansion continued, spanning 14 countries and culminating in their arrival in Nigeria in April 2019. Lagos became one of their homes, followed by other cities like Abuja, Ibadan, PortHarcourt, Benin, Jos, Owerri, and Enugu. The rapid adoption of their services in Nigeria showcased the public’s eagerness for innovative solutions.

The challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020 did not deter inDrive; instead, they adapted to remote work and continued to thrive. By July of that year, they had 50 million downloads globally, a show of their resilience and the relevance of their services even in challenging times.

As the world recovered from the pandemic, inDrive’s growth soared. By December 2021, they were operating in more than 450 cities across 32 countries, with 900 employees and an impressive record of 550 million completed trips. In 2022, they solidified their position as the second most downloaded app in their sector, reaching 100 million app installs.

inDrive’s evolution was not just about numbers; it was about redefining their identity. In a rebranding effort, they transitioned from inDriver to inDrive, emphasizing the empowerment of pursuing inner drives through their solutions. This shift marked a profound commitment to creating an environment where both service providers and customers found satisfaction and fulfillment.

In Nigeria, their growth was particularly noteworthy, especially during critical moments like the fuel subsidy removal. The introduction of new verticals, such as freight and courier services, further diversified their offerings, catering to various needs in over 700 cities across 48 countries.

Looking ahead, inDrive remains steadfast in its commitment to challenging injustice. The brand’s ethos revolves around people, technology, fairness, and transparency. They have set the bar high by maintaining a low commission of 9.9% for drivers in Lagos and charging zero commission in other cities. Their freight option, allowing users to order vans based on their requirements, and courier services have also contributed significantly to their success.

As inDrive matches into the future, it focuses on innovation, with an emphasis on what determination, technology, and a people-driven approach can achieve. The next chapter in their journey promises not just growth, but a continued legacy of challenging injustice and empowering communities. inDrive’s story is fixed on resilience, adaptability, and steadfast dedication to driving change.