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.

If successful, this raise will push its valuation beyond the $1 billion mark, giving the company unicorn status and enable Moove to become one of the top global drivers of sustainable urban transport.

In just over a year, Moove’s annual revenue jumped from $115 million to $360 million. That’s around $30 million a month, driven mostly by its core business of financing cars for Uber drivers and a newer, more focus on fleet management in the U.S. market. 

Moove is no longer just a vehicle financing outfit as it’s now embedding itself in the emerging world of autonomous mobility.

Moove is already managing fleets for Waymo, the self-driving arm of Google’s parent company Alphabet. In Phoenix and Miami, the company handles cleaning, charging, and storage of Waymo’s electric robotaxis. That may sound like back-end work, but it’s a tough role. 

As Waymo rolls out commercial operations in new cities, Moove ensures these vehicles are ready for the road every single day.

Co-founder Ladi Delano said, “The current agreement with Waymo is limited to fleet management.” But Moove wants more. The company is preparing to purchase autonomous vehicles (AVs) directly from manufacturers, lease them to entrepreneurs or businesses, and still maintain full control over their operations, from depot management to charging and cleaning.

Moove is betting that today’s Uber drivers could become tomorrow’s robotaxi fleet owners. By giving them access to mini-fleets of AVs, the company is creating a model where ownership and scale intersect, without sidelining drivers.

The strategy is already global. Moove has financed cars in Africa, India, and the UK, using a drive-to-own model that lets drivers eventually own the vehicles they work with. Now, it’s taking that experience into markets with far more complex regulatory and operational demands, like the U.S.

Its recent acquisition of Brazilian mobility startup Kovi also shows how far Moove is willing to go to scale quickly. That move instantly expanded its revenue base and widened its footprint in Latin America.

To date, the company has secured $750 million in funding, both debt and equity, from investors including Uber, which holds a stake of over 10%, and the Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company.

Moove has hired over 90 people in the U.S. this year alone. Across the world, its workforce has grown to more than 2,100. This is a global operator with eyes on the evolving future of how people and goods move.

Moove is building the infrastructure behind the AV space. While companies like Waymo develop the tech, Moove is betting that whoever owns and runs the fleets, keeps them clean, charged, and on the road, will hold real power.

And that’s what this $300 million is really about.

Transportation lies at the core of the complex supply chain management network and serves as the critical link that ties every cycle step together.

This article examines the importance of transportation in supply chain management, illustrating its effects on efficiency, costs, and customer satisfaction.

Three Pillars of Effective Supply Chain

Think of a well-oiled conveyor belt. It is what a smoothly running supply chain looks like. Three key components work together seamlessly to keep goods flowing: procurement, production, and logistics. All these stages are complex, and you must do your best to get all the materials to reach the finish line: happy customers.

1. Procurement: Staging Success from the Start

The function of procurement is equivalent to the role of a foundation in a building – it creates a primary platform for everything that comes afterward. Here, critical decisions are made about what you should construct your product with. Engaging suitable suppliers and figuring out good deals depend on your entire supply chain’s quality, cost, and reliability. Choosing the right potential partners from the start guarantees that the later journey will be smoother.

2. Production: The Machine of Productivity

Materials are the next in line. Finally, production makes the process work as it moves along.

This phase includes decisions like how many to produce and what amount should be stored.

It’s a balancing act: meet demand but not over-produce; instead, have underground or open storage facilities ready. Efficient production keeps products available and contributes to savings in the cost chain.

3. Logistics: A Link Between Stages

Logistics can be seen as the backbone of the entire process. It encompasses all the stages of shipping goods to your customers.

Creating a comprehensive logistics chain is a collaborative process between how components are shipped in (inbound) and manufactured products are shipped out (outbound). Picking up the right logistics service providers and route planning leads to timeliness and cost-effectiveness of cargo transportation lists within this strategy.

Maximize Efficiency for Success

Efficient transportation management is one factor that makes the supply chain highly effective. Here are some key ways transportation contributes to a streamlined operation.

Instant Results and Better Stock Management

The selection process of advanced mode and precise route optimization will have a vital impact on the lead time shortening.

It means fast shipments, high customer satisfaction, and readiness to take action when changes are detected in the market. Moreover, a quicker and more convenient transport system allows for a favorable just-in-time inventory management system. Through this, we save space for the inventory and avoid stock-out or old inventory obsolescence.

Expenditure and Technical Progress

The transportation activity constitutes a large portion of the total logistics cost of stock expenditure. It means that route optimization, right vehicle choice based on load type, and budget-friendly warehouses for storage can all be combined to result in a massive cost reduction.

Besides that, an intelligent logistics management software can be used to deliver functionality beyond the basics for the systems to succeed. The software can also manage the trial times in real time, providing vital data analysis for optimal operation and correct decision-making.

Dangers and Strategies to Ensure a Safe Trip

The future route map of global logistics will have several hurdles. While the managers are busy maintaining the flow of commodities and avoiding hindrances, certain risks hinder smooth work. Here is a rundown of a few basic barriers:

i. Cybersecurity Concerns

Improvements in technology might be good, bad, or ugly. Along with automation and connected sensors, the industry model will face a new generation of cyberattacks. Attackers who plan to operate from the network level can disrupt operations. Installing solid security measures and providing driver training are vital to tackling this problem.

ii. Driver Shortage

This shortage will likely linger, and the American Trucking Association‘s prognosis is that the figure will go beyond 160,000 by 2028. The retirement rates would not be so high for the older workforce as the average trucker is 46, and the replacements might not work. But it would intensify the workload for the other drivers and would ultimately cause tiredness and car crashes.

iii. Deteriorating Infrastructure

The primary hazards every country suffers today are bridges crumbling, railways over-capacity, and congested airspace networks.

A delay due to infrastructure problems can result in additional fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear, forcing more scheduled repairs.

As a standalone process, transportation is quite complex. Notwithstanding, it plays a crucial role in an efficient supply chain.

Fortunately, businesses can roll out efficient, cheap, and environmentally sustainable first, middle, and last-mile deliveries by identifying associated problems before they present themselves, optimizing transportation workflows, and using tech for business process automation.

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Already, the policies are taking tolls on companies with the likes of Airtel and MTN having their forex reserves depreciating.

The President who pleaded with the citizens to understand the reasons for the policy measures his government have taken to combat the serious economic challenges the nation has long faced, said that for several years, he consistently maintained the position that the fuel subsidy had to go.

“This once beneficial measure had outlived its usefulness. The subsidy cost us trillions of Naira yearly. Such a vast sum of money would have been better spent on public transportation, healthcare, schools, housing and even national security. Instead, it was being funnelled into the deep pockets and lavish bank accounts of a select group of individuals….

“Also, the multiple exchange rate system that had been established became nothing but a highway of currency speculation. It diverted money that should have been used to create jobs, build factories and businesses for millions of people. Our national wealth was doled on favourable terms to a handful of people who have been made filthy rich simply by moving money from one hand to another. This too was extremely unfair.

“It also compounded the threat that the illicit and mass accumulation of money posed to the future of our democratic system and its economy.

The Tinubu acknowledged that the economy is going through a tough patch and the citizens are being hurt by it. “The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle. Things seem anxious and uncertain. I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love”.

He rolled out plans to cushion the effects:

Manufacturing sector to receive NGN75 billion

To strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand and create good paying jobs, the President said his administration is “going to spend NGN75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024.

Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start a sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation and improve productivity”.

Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises, he said, will be able to access NGN1billion credit at 9% per annum with maximum of 60 months repayment for long term loans and 12 months for working capital.

MSMEs to receive NGN125 billion

“Our administration recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal sector as drivers of growth. We are going to energise this very important sector with N125 billion.

Out of the sum, the Federal Government will spend N50 billion on Conditional Grant to 1 million nano businesses between now and March 2024.

“Our target is to give NGN50,000 each to 1,300 nano business owners in each of the 774 local governments across the country”, Tinubu said.

“Ultimately, this programme will further drive financial inclusion by onboarding beneficiaries into the formal banking system. In like manner, we will fund 100,000 MSMEs and start-ups with N75 billion. Under this scheme, each enterprise promoter will be able to get between NGN500,000 to NGN1million at 9% interest per annum and a repayment period of 36 months.

Release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains

“To further ensure that prices of food items remain affordable, we have had a multi-stakeholder engagement with various farmers’ associations and operators within the agricultural value chain.

“In the short and immediate terms, we will ensure staple foods are available and affordable. To this end, I have ordered release of 200,000 Metric Tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.

Agricultural investments worth NGN 200 billion

“Our plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice remains on course. To be specific, N200 billion out of the NGN500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows:

• Our administration will invest NGN50 billion each to cultivate 150,000 hectares of rice and maize.
• NGN50 billion each will also be earmarked to cultivate 100,000 hectares of wheat and cassava.

This expansive agricultural programme will be implemented targeting small-holder farmers and leveraging large-scale private sector players in the agric-business with strong performance record.

In this regard, he said that the expertise of Development Finance Institutions, commercial banks and microfinance banks will be tapped into to develop a viable and an appropriate transaction structure for all stakeholders.

Tinubu’s Transportation Investment plan – NGN 100 billion

“Part of our programme is to roll out buses across the states and local governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate. We have made provision to invest NGN100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses.

“These buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the states, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period.

New minimum wage is coming

“In the same vein, we are also working in collaboration with the Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming”.

He said that once they agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, the government will make budget provision for it for immediate implementation.

He applauded many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees.

One of the most exciting and transformative developments in transportation is the rise of self-driving cars. Looking at the future of transportation and delving into the world of autonomous vehicles, let’s discuss the benefits, challenges, and potential impact on society.

The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are automobiles equipped with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms that enable them to navigate and operate without human intervention. Over the past decade, major technological advancements have propelled autonomous vehicles from science fiction to reality.

Advantages of Self-Driving Cars

1. Safety and Reduced Accidents

One of the most significant advantages of self-driving cars is their potential to greatly enhance road safety. Human error accounts for a significant portion of traffic accidents, but autonomous vehicles have the potential to eliminate this risk. With their advanced sensors and ability to make split-second decisions, self-driving cars can detect and react to potential hazards more effectively than human drivers, leading to a reduction in accidents.

2. Increased Efficiency and Reduced Congestion

Self-driving cars can optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion on roads. By communicating with each other and coordinating their movements, autonomous vehicles can travel at optimal speeds and maintain safe distances, minimizing traffic jams. Moreover, self-driving cars can make more efficient use of existing infrastructure, potentially reducing the need for new road construction.

3. Improved Accessibility and Mobility

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to revolutionize transportation for individuals with limited mobility. Elderly people, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot drive due to various reasons can regain their independence through self-driving cars. These vehicles can provide convenient and accessible transportation options, enabling everyone to reach their desired destinations.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Technological Hurdles

While significant progress has been made in autonomous vehicle technology, there are still several technological challenges to overcome. These include refining sensors and perception systems to handle diverse weather conditions, developing robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential hacking, and enhancing machine learning algorithms to adapt to complex and unpredictable driving scenarios.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework

The widespread adoption of self-driving cars also raises important legal and regulatory considerations. Policymakers and governments around the world need to develop comprehensive frameworks to address liability, insurance, data privacy, and ethical dilemmas. Establishing standardized regulations will be crucial to ensure the safe and responsible integration of autonomous vehicles into our transportation systems.

3. Public Acceptance and Trust

Acceptance and trust are vital factors for the success of self-driving cars. It is essential to educate the public about the technology, its benefits, and safety measures to alleviate concerns and skepticism. Transparent communication, rigorous testing, and successful deployment of autonomous vehicles in controlled environments will help build trust and encourage public acceptance.

The Future Impact on Society

The widespread adoption of self-driving cars will have a profound impact on various aspects of society:

1. Transportation and Urban Planning

The integration of self-driving cars will reshape transportation and urban planning. With reduced car ownership, parking spaces can be repurposed for green spaces or additional infrastructure. Moreover, shared autonomous vehicles can facilitate the shift from private vehicle ownership to on-demand mobility services, reducing traffic congestion and parking requirements.

2. Employment and Workforce

The advent of self-driving cars may disrupt employment in the transportation sector. Professional drivers, such as taxi drivers and truck drivers, may face challenges as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent. However, new job opportunities will arise in industries related to autonomous vehicle development, maintenance, and supervision.

3. Environmental Impact

Self-driving cars have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Autonomous vehicles can optimize driving patterns, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the shift towards shared autonomous vehicles can lead to a decrease in the overall number of vehicles on the road, further reducing pollution and congestion.

4. Mobility and Accessibility

Self-driving cars can improve mobility and accessibility, particularly in underserved areas. Autonomous vehicle fleets can provide affordable and convenient transportation options, bridging gaps in public transportation networks. This can benefit communities with limited access to transportation, empowering individuals to access employment, education, healthcare, and other essential services.

Conclusion

The future of transportation lies in the hands of self-driving cars. The rapid advancements in autonomous vehicle technology present numerous opportunities to revolutionize the way we travel, making transportation safer, more efficient, and accessible for all. While there are still challenges to overcome, including technological, regulatory, and societal considerations, the potential benefits of self-driving cars are immense.

As we move forward, it is crucial for policymakers, industry leaders, and society as a whole to collaborate and address these challenges proactively. By embracing the possibilities of self-driving cars and fostering an environment of innovation, we can shape a future where transportation is not only efficient but also sustainable, inclusive, and safer than ever before. The era of self-driving cars has arrived, and it holds the promise of transforming the way we move and connect with the world around us.

Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), represented by Dr. Salihu Abdulkareem of the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), made this remark during the south-south NITDA HACKATHON challenge for young and innovative minds from the region held at the Senate Chambers of the University of Calabar.

He explained that “driving digital innovation and entrepreneurship by challenging Nigeria’s youth to create and develop solutions from inception to commercialization will, no doubt, boost the country’s economy.”

The NITDA Hackathon challenge was themed: “Innovation-Driven Ideas for addressing local challenges in Health, Government, Transportation, Financial Services and Smart city in Nigeria for Social and Economic Development.” 

The DG asserted that digital innovation and entrepreneurship would help fast-track the recovery of other traditional economic sectors by supporting the provision and adoption of indigenous and tailor-made solutions for nationwide implementation of the policy through automation, intelligent processes, and ICT solutions.

He further revealed that NITDA Hackathon 2022 aims to find solutions towards building a digital Nigeria, adding that talented Nigerians are challenged to come up with clearly defined ideas and prototypes of solutions around agriculture, logistics, and security for the swift growth and development of the country.

According to Kashifu, “African continent is full of problems waiting to be solved, this presents the next biggest market worldwide. Nigeria, in particular, has a rapidly growing youthful population by which taking advantage of the market will lead to the creation of jobs, solutions, and revenue flow for the country”, he added.

The DG maintained that collective responsibility is needed to achieve the positive impacts, for which the nation yearns for solutions. He encouraged the young innovators not to relent in their various efforts towards tackling the problems bedeviling the country, saying that such solutions will go a long way in addressing development issues.

He appeals to teeming youths from the region to always showcase their talents which will serve as channels for solutions to some of the problems that require immediate panacea.

He revealed that the program also provides an avenue for young Nigerians to contribute their quota in the solution-finding and provides opportunities for creating jobs both directly and indirectly, keying into the Digital Economy policy that will facilitate the swift growth and development of the country.

Professor Florence Banji Obi, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Calabar, ably represented by Professor Idingesit Akpabio, Chairman, Committee of Deans, the University of Calabar, in her earlier remarks, appreciated NITDA for choosing the University of Calabar for the program. She commended the initiatives and the manner of their implementation across the country for the growth of our nation.

She commented that technology is changing how we do things and has fast-tracked operations processes. “Programs like this are needed to keep the young people busy solving the problems faced by the country, more so that such programs give an avenue for teeming youth to showcase their talents which will help solve those challenges,” she added.

Prof. Obi encouraged participants not to stop at solution finding after this program but to go further in actualizing what they have started, which she believes will bring about solutions to the problems faced in the country.

Winners from the pitching context received cash prizes ranging from N1.5million for the overall Winners, N1 million for the first runner ups, and N500,000 to the second runner ups as the 3-day event came to a close with fanfare and beautiful memories.