Running from May 27 to May 31, part of earnings from rides completed during the campaign period will be donated to SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria to support programmes focused on child care, family strengthening and community support.

The campaign aims to make giving simple and accessible, allowing riders to contribute to the initiative through their everyday trips around the city.

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria works to ensure children without parental care, or at risk of losing it, grow up with the support, protection and opportunities they need.

Commenting on the campaign, Teddy Appah-Dankyi, Bolt’s senior general manager, West Africa said: “Children’s Day is an important moment to reflect on the kind of support systems children and families need to thrive.

“Through the Rides That Care campaign, we wanted to create a simple way for everyday movement to contribute to something meaningful. We believe even small everyday actions, when multiplied across a community, can make a real difference in supporting vulnerable children and families.”

The campaign also reiterates Bolt’s commitment to supporting communities beyond mobility by leveraging its platform to create positive social impact.

Throughout the campaign period, riders will not be required to take any additional steps or make separate donations, as contributions will be made automatically through eligible rides completed on the platform.

In turning everyday trips into acts of support, the Bolt Children’s Day campaign aims to encourage collective participation in helping vulnerable children and families across Nigeria.

While fuel price fluctuations have long been part of Nigeria’s business environment, current pressures are intensifying the strain on citizens and mobility systems.

Ongoing reforms are helping stabilize the exchange rate and moderate inflation, but their full impact will take time.

Fuel costs ripple across the economy

Fuel powers Nigeria’s transport systems, logistics networks, and businesses. When prices rise, transport costs increase, supply chains become more expensive, and goods and services adjust accordingly.

In an already constrained economy, these shifts add pressure on households and businesses.

Sectors that rely on constant mobility such as ride-hailing, courier services, and informal transport networks are especially exposed to fuel price fluctuations.

The reality for ride-hailing drivers

For ride-hailing drivers, fuel is the largest daily expense. Rapid price spikes force tough choices: absorb the cost and earn less, work longer hours, or raise fares, each with trade-offs.

Higher fares can reduce demand, while longer hours increase fatigue. In this context, platform design becomes critical.

Models like inDrive, which offer lower commission structures and allow direct fare negotiation with passengers, provide an important buffer. They let pricing reflect real-world costs like fuel, helping drivers retain more of each fare.

Rethinking pricing in a volatile environment

Algorithm-driven fare systems have expanded ride-hailing across Nigeria, but rapid cost increases highlight their limitations.

Flexible approaches such as peer-to-peer fare negotiation and lower commissions allow drivers to adapt to changing costs while keeping fares fair. These models show how the mobility ecosystem can remain resilient even in volatile conditions.

Balancing real costs with social support

Fuel prices that reflect real costs, including pressures from the global conflict, must be balanced with social support.

Domestic refining offers long-term benefits such as stronger supply, reduced import reliance, and potential pricing efficiencies, but without careful management, rising costs can be disruptive.

Measures such as transport support, flexible pricing, and investment in fuel-efficient or alternative-energy fleets are needed to protect economic participation.

The ripple effect on businesses and logistics

Rising fuel prices affect individual drivers as well as small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on flexible logistics solutions to move goods efficiently. As fuel costs climb, delivery expenses rise, squeezing margins and forcing price adjustments.

For companies on tight budgets, these increases are hard to absorb, often passing costs on to consumers and driving broader inflation. Fuel costs are a key driver of economic pressure across Nigeria.

A transition with real human impact

Nigeria’s shift to domestic refining and market-driven fuel pricing is a necessary long-term move, promising more stable supply and reduced import reliance.

In the short term, however, global pressures are straining the livelihoods of those who rely on fuel daily.

Ride-hailing drivers, couriers, and logistics partners face rising costs that directly affect earnings and working conditions, making it essential to adopt measures that help them adapt and sustain their livelihoods.

Cushioning the transition from principle to practice

If Nigeria is to sustain its fuel reform trajectory, it must simultaneously address its distributional effects.

This requires targeted, pragmatic interventions, not simply a return to blanket subsidies, but smarter, more focused support mechanisms.

Potential measures include temporary support for transport-dependent workers, regulatory flexibility to allow responsible fare adjustments, incentives for fuel efficiency and alternative energy adoption, support for innovation in mobility pricing and service delivery, and investment in other energy sources such as CNG and EVs.

These interventions are not about reversing reform. They are about making it socially sustainable. Without them, the system may be economically rational at the top but exclusionary at the base.

The road ahead

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture with the opportunity to build a fuel and mobility system that is more efficient, more resilient, and less dependent on external shocks. Achieving this requires recognizing mobility as a cornerstone of economic inclusion.

The challenge is not simply liberalizing fuel pricing. It is ensuring that the reform does not inadvertently restrict the movement of people.

When mobility is constrained, opportunity is constrained, and the true cost of reform far exceeds the price at the pump.

The initiative aims to give drivers access to affordable healthcare, a benefit many independent drivers normally lack.

The programme allows drivers to choose coverage for themselves and their dependents through a pooled plan, which offers discounted premiums and faster access to services.

Bolt says this will help drivers manage their health while continuing to earn.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa, said: “Driver wellbeing is critical to the long-term health of the mobility ecosystem. This partnership with Bastion Health is designed to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for drivers, helping them protect their health while continuing to earn on the platform.

“By negotiating group benefits for drivers, we’re able to lower barriers to healthcare access and create meaningful support for our driver community.”

The plans combine flexibility and affordability, giving drivers options that traditional individual insurance plans usually do not. Bastion Health’s digital platform makes it easy for drivers to learn about, enrol in, and manage their coverage.

Bolt also noted the safety benefits of the programme. Healthier drivers are more alert on the road, which could lead to fewer accidents. The company said the initiative is part of a goal to support drivers with financial, safety, and well-being programmes.

Beyond the driver health insurance innovation, Bolt is continually seeking partnerships to bolster the gig economy, striving to address the needs of drivers while promoting the long-term sustainability of the ride-hailing ecosystem.

The ride-hailing company recently distributed high-value gifts, including AirPods Pro, an iPhone 17 Pro, and curated hampers, to riders who consistently used the app. 

Selection was based on usage frequency and regularity, rather than competitions or public nominations.

The initiative builds on Bolt’s 12 Rides of Cheer campaign, which ran briefly at the end of last year. During the campaign, riders who booked trips as usual were randomly rewarded with promo codes, hampers, and small surprises, with no entry requirements or sign-ups.

Bolt has said the campaign was not intended as a festive giveaway, but rather a recognition of everyday travel, airport transfers, short city trips, late-night rides, and routine errands that form the bulk of platform activity.

Some recipients were reportedly caught completely off guard, discovering premium rewards during routine bookings.

The company has been expanding loyalty-focused programmes beyond drivers to riders and plans to continue recognising regular users through both surprise campaigns and ongoing benefits.

Bolt recognising its riders stresses that consistent platform use can lead to rewards that go beyond simply getting from one place to another.

The figure places the country second globally in adoption, ahead of several long-established European and Asian markets.

The dash cam feature turns a driver’s smartphone into a dual-facing recording tool, capturing activity inside and outside the vehicle. Bolt says the system was introduced to create stronger evidence trails, discourage unsafe behaviour, and address disputes quickly when incidents occur. 

All footage is stored securely in the cloud and is only accessed when needed for investigations, insurance reviews, or safety checks.

Adoption in Nigeria has increased partly because the initiative is powered by Bolt’s partnership with Driver Technologies, a U.S. firm known for mobile-based dash cam software. 

Through this arrangement, drivers receive cloud storage and premium safety functions at a discounted monthly rate after a one-month free trial, making the tech inexpensive and easy to scale across different Nigerian cities.

For many users, the feature adds another layer to existing safety tools already built into the Bolt platform, GPS tracking, driver identity checks, trip-sharing options, and real-time support channels. 

Bolt’s latest Safety Perception Survey shows that Nigerian riders and drivers generally see app-based mobility as safer than traditional transport and believe features like the dash cam significantly strengthen their sense of security during trips.

Speaking on the strong reception, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s head of Regulatory & Policy for Africa, said: “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Bolt. Initiatives like the dash cam, coupled with our ongoing education and awareness efforts, are central to our mission of ensuring every trip is safe, transparent, and respectful. 

We’re encouraged to see Nigerian drivers leading the way in embracing this innovation, the strong uptake demonstrates our drivers’ commitment to providing safer rides and reinforces Nigeria’s leadership in adopting technology that protects both riders and drivers.”

With the growth rate, Bolt plans to extend the dash cam programme to more cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan. 

The company is also boosting engagement with regulators and safety groups to embed dash cam footage into incident-reporting and accountability frameworks. 

The expansion, Bolt says, will ensure a stronger safety culture across Nigeria’s urban mobility network.

This comes after reports emerged that some drivers in the city are planning to increase fares by 50% in protest against what they describe as unfair pricing on the Bolt app.

In a statement released this week, the company said it was aware of “reports suggesting that some drivers in Port Harcourt plan to increase fares by 50% due to concerns about pricing on the Bolt app,” but firmly stated that such actions are unauthorised and “go against Bolt’s operating policies.”

The ride-hailing firm explained that its platform already allows drivers to propose their own fares through a feature called Price Bidding, which, according to Bolt, “ensures fair and transparent pricing for both drivers and riders without the need for any external fare adjustment or surcharge.”

Bolt also emphasised that “any driver found to be charging riders outside the app or demanding extra payments beyond the agreed in-app fare will face immediate and permanent removal from the Bolt platform.” 

The company reiterated its focus on providing “affordable, transparent, and safe mobility for all Nigerians,” urging drivers to continue using the app according to its guidelines.

The warning follows increasing dissatisfaction among Bolt drivers in Port Harcourt, many of whom are members of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON). 

They have complained that expensive fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and the price of spare parts have made it highly difficult to operate profitably.

In their defence, the drivers argue that the company’s current fare model does not align with Nigeria’s economic reality. 

A driver who spoke through AUATON’s Rivers State Chairman, Amos Omoruyi, recently told the media that parts like brake pads that once cost ₦1,500 now sell for as high as ₦8,000. “We are not fraudulent,” Omoruyi said in an interview. “What we are asking for is a fair adjustment to reflect the current cost of living.”

Some drivers also allege that while their costs have gone up, Bolt’s commission rate has stayed high, further cutting into their earnings. They insist that without fare adjustments, drivers will continue to struggle to sustain their operations.

However, Bolt’s latest statement focuses on policy enforcement and reiterates the company’s stance against unauthorised fare changes. 

The company maintains that the Price Bidding feature offers drivers flexibility to propose fares based on what riders are willing to pay, a system it believes balances both sides.

With inflation and fuel prices affecting Nigeria’s e-hailing sector, operating expenses have moved to record levels and drivers are demanding better compensation. Platforms like Bolt continue to prioritise fare stability for riders.

For now, Bolt insists it will not tolerate any action that negatively affects the platform’s pricing system. “We encourage all drivers and riders to continue using the Bolt app in accordance with our guidelines to maintain trust and fairness across the platform,” the company said.

In the spirit of Customer Service Week, the mobility giant rolled out a series of activities and giveaways across Nigeria to appreciate its drivers and riders. Themed “Bolt Says Thanks” and “Our Daily Heroes,” the celebration is more about gratitude to those who make the platform function day after day.

For drivers, Bolt is dishing out commendable rewards. About 300 drivers across 10 cities are receiving ₦5,000 Chicken Republic meal vouchers, a small but heartfelt nod to their daily grind. 

In Lagos, 150 drivers will get something extra; a proper lunch at the Bolt Driver Engagement Centre on Thursday. The company promises a day of good food, laughter, and lucky dips, where the spin of a wheel could win a prize or two.

Riders, too, aren’t being left out. At Ikeja City Mall (ICM), Bolt is setting up an activation hub where customers can engage in games and walk away with prizes. For the digital crowd, the company is also hosting an Instagram Bingo game with a tempting reward; ₦1 million worth of ride credit for one lucky winner.

And that’s not all. Throughout the Customer Service Week, Bolt plans to hand out more surprises, including spa sessions, shopping vouchers, and even more meal vouchers, as tokens of appreciation for loyal users who have made Bolt their preferred choice in a fiercely competitive market.

Speaking on the initiative, Osi Oguah, General Manager, Bolt Nigeria, said: “At Bolt, we believe our drivers and riders are the real heroes who make what we do possible every single day. This week is about saying thank you to them for their dedication, loyalty, and the positive spirit they bring to our community. ‘Bolt Says Thanks’ is our way of celebrating their everyday efforts and showing that we truly appreciate them.”

For Bolt, the celebration is a statement of value, not just about giving gifts. In spotlighting the people behind the app, the company stresses a message usually lost in corporate noise: no algorithm can replace human effort.

As Customer Service Week unfolds, we see that while technology may boost the operations of Bolt, it’s the people behind the wheel and in the backseat who truly drive the brand forward.

The government’s new tax act is the latest example. Tucked inside it was a 5% fuel surcharge that would have pushed up the cost of transportation, logistics, and ultimately, digital services. But after public outcry, implementation has been delayed.

The suspension may look like a reprieve, but the episode reveals Nigerians no longer trust that reforms are designed with them in mind. The digital economy, from ride-hailing to food delivery, from fintech transfers to e-commerce, now sits at the centre of this trust issue.

What’s in the New Tax Act?

The Finance Act 2026 was meant to strengthen revenue collection in a country struggling with deficits and a weakening currency. Among its provisions was a 5% fuel surcharge, to be applied across petrol and diesel usage. The government argued it would fund infrastructure and stabilise the economy.

But the context matters. Inflation is at 21.88%, food inflation stands at 22.74%, and the naira last week closed at ₦1,535/$1 in the parallel market. Nigerians still feel squeezed by subsidy removals, FX adjustments, and high bank charges. Adding a fuel surcharge on top of that was bound to ignite resistance.

Why the 5% Surcharge Matters

Transport is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and the digital economy in particular. A surcharge on fuel does not stay at filling stations. It ripples into delivery costs, ride-hailing fares, and the price of moving goods.

Take Lagos as an example: an average Bolt ride costs about ₦5,000. With the surcharge, that would have jumped by at least ₦250. Scale that across 100,000 rides daily in the city, and consumers alone would have shouldered ₦25 million extra every day.

For SMEs relying on Jumia or GIG Logistics, higher delivery charges mean higher product prices or thinner margins. Either way, trust in both government policy and platform pricing takes another hit.

The Digital Economy at the Crossroads

Nigeria’s digital economy contributed 17.68% of GDP in 2024 (NBS data). That is larger than oil in some quarters, however, its growth depends on affordability and adoption.

Platforms like OPay and PalmPay have already introduced transfer fees that led to public backlash. Add higher logistics and energy costs, and Nigerians will begin to question whether digital platforms are easing life or taxing them.

The tension is way beyond cost. It is about ownership. Are Nigerians building a digital economy for themselves, or are they bankrolling platforms while struggling with fees and unpredictable policies?

The Trust Deficit

Trust is the real casualty here. Nigerians are used to policies that land without warning and change without explanation. The removal of fuel subsidy, the central bank’s constant currency adjustments, sudden banking charges, and now a tax law that has been rolled out, suspended, and may yet return.

An Afrobarometer survey (2024) showed that only 28% of Nigerians trust government to do what is right most of the time. That figure is not surprising when reforms look like experiments and citizens feel like test subjects.

Platforms and banks are caught in the middle. They bear the cost of compliance, pass it down to users, and in the process, lose consumer trust as well.

Winners and Losers

• Winners (short-term): The government, if revenue targets are met; platforms, if they successfully shift costs to users.
• Losers: Consumers, who pay more for transport, deliveries, and digital services. SMEs, whose logistics bills eat into profits. And ultimately, the digital inclusion agenda, as people turn back to cash to avoid charges.

The long-term danger is that if reforms drive people out of the formal system, Nigeria will stall in its effort to boost digital adoption.

Lessons from Elsewhere

Kenya introduced a digital service tax in 2021, starting at 1.5% of transaction value. It has since risen to 3%, but its rollout was gradual, with public communication at every stage. South Africa relies more on VAT collection from platforms than on adding transport surcharges.

Nigeria’s approach  “tax first, explain later”, risks increasing the gulf between policy intent and public trust.

A Way Forward

Nigeria needs revenue, but it cannot afford to erode digital adoption in the process. Three steps could help:

1. Transparency: show clearly how revenue will be used. Citizens are more likely to accept taxes when they see results.
2. Phased rollouts: allow businesses and households time to adjust.
3. Protection for low-income groups: exemptions or reliefs to cushion the impact on the most vulnerable.

If Nigeria’s economic reforms were an app, many citizens would uninstall it. But since that is not an option, the least government can do is fix the bugs before asking users to pay for premium.

The suspension of the fuel surcharge is just a warning. Unless policies are designed with transparency, fairness, and trust in mind, every new tax will be met with suspicion, and every platform caught in the middle will struggle to hold consumer confidence.

The pilot will begin in Munich in 2026 and, if successful, could expand to other European cities.

The vehicles will be Level 4 autonomous, meaning they can drive without human input within approved zones. At the initial stage, safety operators will remain behind the wheel to monitor operations before the shift to complete autonomy.

Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber’s chief executive officer, said: “Germany has shaped the global automotive industry for more than a century, and now Munich will help shape the future with autonomous vehicles.”

Momenta, founded in 2016, has been a central player in China’s self-driving industry. It already runs a robotaxi service in Shanghai and supplies driver-assist technology to carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, and General Motors. Its systems are currently installed in more than 400,000 vehicles worldwide.

For Uber, the driverless cars trial is another step in its strategy of working with multiple autonomous vehicle partners. The company has signed over 20 such agreements across ride-hailing, freight, and delivery, generating more than 1.5 million trips annually. 

In the US, it offers rides with Waymo’s robotaxis in cities like Phoenix, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. In the Middle East, it has partnered with WeRide and Momenta in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, with further expansion planned for Dubai.

Competition in Europe is also increasing as Lyft has joined forces with Baidu to launch robotaxi services in Germany and the UK from 2026, while Volkswagen has announced plans to roll out its own autonomous fleet with Uber in Los Angeles. UK-based Wayve is also working with Uber to begin Level 4 trials in London.

However, before Uber and Momenta can begin operations in Munich, regulatory approval will be required. German authorities will need to confirm the vehicles meet strict safety standards and authorise their designated operating areas.

If the trials succeed, Munich could become a launchpad for wider adoption of driverless taxis across Europe, placing Uber and Momenta among the first to introduce large-scale robotaxi services on the continent.

Welcome to the wild terrain of ride-hailing in Nigeria, with apps promising comfort, affordability, and innovation, but customers getting stuck between fumes and fury. 

This week on Brand Comparison Thursday, we dig into the hectic, usually hilarious, sometimes catastrophic world of inDrive and LagRide, two services aiming to fix urban mobility—one by giving passengers the power to price, the other by rolling out government-backed structure with Chinese precision.

However, behind the polished interfaces and brightly coloured sedans lies the issues not just of brands, but of ideology; freedom vs. regulation, affordability vs. safety, and ultimately, convenience vs. sanity. 

So, we put both brands under the spotlight, their technology, operations, and real customer experiences. Not to bash but to reveal what works, what’s broken, and what needs a jumpstart.

Company Background and Business Model

inDrive is a globally recognised ride-hailing platform that entered the Nigerian market with a peer-to-peer pricing model. Passengers and drivers negotiate the fare—a concept that’s been commended for flexibility but also slammed for turbulence. It operates without fixed fares, giving drivers and riders the freedom to agree on prices before the ride starts.

LagRide, on the other hand, is a product of a public-private partnership between Lagos State Government and CIG Motors, a Chinese automobile company known for GAC vehicles. 

Launched to enhance Lagos’ smart mobility agenda, LagRide provides access to quality, government-supported vehicles, mostly GAC brands, with drivers trained under strict operational protocols. Earlier this year, CIG Motors assumed full operational management of LagRide, aiming to enhance efficiency and innovation.

User Experience: Reviews from the Streets

Now to the spice: real user reviews. We analysed over 60 customer complaints and praises for inDrive—and what emerged is a platform loved and loathed in equal measure.

“InDrive riders are threats to life! They are so toxic! They beat customers and this is becoming very worrisome!! We are not safe anymore in Nigeria.” — NennyChi

“The drivers are one of the most annoying drivers I’ve ever encountered.” — TeeGeeMee

“The app is great but the drivers should always have a good and working car with AC…” — Qwin Kika

While some users appreciated the affordability and wide reach, many spoke about unprofessional drivers, app glitches, poor vetting, and dangerous behaviour.

A recurring issue was pricing inconsistency:

A driver said: “How can I drive 45 minutes for ₦4,500? That’s a ride of over ₦9,800 on Bolt.” — Temmytopsy fashion

“Your riders will be using Uber and Bolt prices… I’m seeing ₦10,200 and they’re sending ₦12,800.” — Andreascini, a passenger.

More drivers aired their dismay:

“The app is inhumane and they treat their drivers as slaves.” — Black Gold 2018

“This company doesn’t care about drivers. You’ll need external resources to fix your car.” — the1stwalker

Now to LagRide. While it hasn’t received as much public criticism (yet), its presence is quieter but more structured. 

But users complained about regular unavailability. “Ever since I downloaded LagosRide they never have a driver around even when you see their cab beside you. LagosRide is just too useless on my phone.”

“There’s no ride anywhere whenever I try to book a ride. It keeps saying they’re busy even early in the morning and I already put money in my wallet. Please, I want my money back. I don’t have enough to do sara.”

As a government-backed solution, its cars are typically newer GAC vehicles, professionally maintained, and built with features like vehicle tracking, driver ID systems, and insurance coverage for both driver and rider. But then, the LagRide hasn’t received wide coverage yet. 

The app is integrated with Lagos State’s mobility ecosystem, offering smart payment systems, trip history, and data-driven route optimisation. 

With CIG Motors now in full control, there’s a move toward improving real-time vehicle tracking, fuel management, and driver discipline, making it more of a “mobility as a service” platform than just another ride-hailing app.

Pricing and Driver Welfare

inDrive’s killer feature is its “Name Your Price” model. It appeals to users who are tired of algorithmic pricing fluctuations and just want to say, “Oga, I fit pay ₦2,000, take am or leave am.” But this bidding system has become its own enemy. Multiple drivers complained about fare undercutting:

“Imagine a ride of 10km reduced to ₦1,200 in 2025,”

Others felt used and discarded:

“This company doesn’t care about drivers. They’ll reduce drivers to nothing to the extent you’ll need external resources to fix your car.”

On the riders’ side, there are gripes about drivers increasing agreed fares mid-trip, or suddenly changing pickup locations. This shows a complete lack of control or regulation, and it’s harming trust.

LagRide, in contrast, operates with set fares that are generated by the app and influenced by distance and time. While some may argue that it’s less flexible, it offers predictability. Because drivers lease vehicles directly from CIG Motors, there’s a built-in sense of accountability and vehicle maintenance—absent in inDrive’s freelance approach.

However, that model has recently changed. CIG Motors has ended the lease-to-own arrangement, replacing it with a salaried employment structure. Drivers now earn ₦150,000 monthly, which is far lower than what many could earn under the previous model.

Many drivers are unhappy about this shift, as they originally signed up with the expectation of eventually owning their vehicles.

Safety, Security and Driver Vetting

This is where LagRide steps up. Drivers are uniformed, trained, and closely monitored. Each car comes with an embedded dashcam and Lagos State’s traffic management tools, providing real-time data to both users and the government.

inDrive, meanwhile, has minimal vetting and riders complain of its approach to safety and driver screening. 

A user said: “I don’t think they vet their drivers… The cars are very dirty too. If there’s an alternative, I won’t be using it.”

Another stated: “Please if you want to book inDrive at night for your safety, don’t… Talking from experience.” — Kobi Nuel

There have been repeated accounts of verbal and even physical abuse, with little clarity on how—or whether—the company verifies driver identity, criminal history, or vehicle condition prior to onboarding. Until recently, the app lacked any form of live monitoring or credible escalation structure.

Recognising these gaps, inDrive has now partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation and the Nigerian Police Force to launch safety education initiatives for drivers and riders, including new app features such as upgraded emergency contact tools and more transparent ride information. 

A data-sharing agreement has also been implemented, enabling government authorities to track trips and validate driver credentials in real-time.

On the other hand, LagRide is connected to the Lagos State monitoring system, with drivers undergoing pre-qualification checks and training and vehicles trackable. The integration of smart city tech, such as onboard cameras, dash sensors, and SOS buttons, has made it a safer option—at least on paper.

In reality, a user said: “Your cars are really great but some of your drivers especially the young ones needs to do better in maintaining their cars. One common trait amongst these young drivers is driving and using their phones. Some even watch movies or WhatsApp statuses while driving and I’ve witnessed about 5.”

Technology and App Performance

There’s little contest here.

inDrive has been described as clunky. It crashes. It freezes. It loses signal. It doesn’t remember your ride if you leave the app. One reviewer said:

“The model is great, but the app isn’t. It freezes. It takes me back to a fresh page when I reopen it instead of my ongoing trip.”

Another said: “My phone network suddenly goes off once I turn on the app.”

LagRide’s app, since CIG Motors took over, there’s been an overhaul in the backend system, aiming to improve route efficiency, support seamless bookings, and offer multi-modal payments. Riders can even pre-book rides, track drivers in real time, and rate both the vehicle and the driver post-ride.

But a user complained about the pre-booking system: “The car was very neat and the driver was well behaved. However, please check The scheduling. It didn’t work for me.”

“I booked LagRide and unfortunately no one attended to me, I also booked ahead and still no one came. That’s very bad. Thanks.”

Affordability vs. Sustainability

inDrive scores highly on affordability—initially. Riders set their prices, and drivers can accept or decline. But this flexibility has become a cause of resentment. While passengers want cheap fares, drivers complain of unsustainable pricing and lack of platform support.

“The app pricing is terrible… affecting all drivers. Driver goes home with almost nothing.” — datrealkida

LagRide’s model sets fixed pricing, which some may find higher than inDrive’s negotiated fares, but it offers predictability and economic balance for drivers and the system.

Finally, Which Should You Choose?

It depends on what you value more: affordability, availability and negotiation power or structure, safety, and accountability.

inDrive gives you control over what you’re willing to pay—but it comes with unpredictable drivers, possible safety risks, and sometimes, unreliable app performance. The brand must address its growing reputation problem, invest in real driver vetting, and overhaul its tech stack to stay relevant.

LagRide, while not as popular (yet), was built on a foundation where government support meets smart innovation. But the new salary-model following the handover to CIG Motors might just limit its scale.

I believe the best outcomes come from listening and evolving, and hope both brands take this feedback seriously—for the good of their users, and the city they serve.