LagRide Nigeria, a mobility company, has achieved 70% growth in its operations. The company is expanding its fleet and driver network across Lagos, deploying 100 new captains and aiming to onboard 1,000 more by December 2026. This latest deployment marks the fourth wave of an expansion programme that has already brought 400 new captains onto the platform.
The expansion is part of LagRide's broader growth strategy, which includes increasing vehicle availability, building its driver network, and strengthening its operating capacity. Executive Director of LagRide Nigeria, Mrs. Mildred Ekanem, stated that the company is scaling its operations to match growth with professionally trained captains. LagRide's recruitment is open to both men and women, focusing on creating economic opportunities and developing professional drivers.
LagRide's Drive-to-Own programme provides qualifying captains with a pathway from renting vehicles to eventually owning the assets they operate. Captains who operate on the platform for 90 to 100 days and meet required conditions can become eligible to transition into the ownership programme. This model addresses a major challenge facing prospective e-hailing drivers: access to vehicles.
The company's expansion strategy is built around human capital development, as stated by Ekanem. LagRide's approach reflects the wider philosophy of CIG Group and its Chairman, Chief Diana Chen, who prioritizes people and development. The company is not just about employment but growing people from stage one to stage two, creating executives and experts in their fields.
The expansion is timed ahead of the traditionally busy end-of-year period in Lagos, when demand for transportation services increases. Ekanem stated that the combination of new vehicles, additional captains, and an expanded support workforce will enable LagRide to respond to that demand. The company is preparing by making vehicles and people available to ride, and the workforce to support the work.
Executive Chairman of Tango Brooks Technologies Limited, Mr Peter Atuma, attended the deployment and noted that the programme extends beyond providing drivers with another source of income. The programme creates a pathway for drivers to eventually own their own vehicles. Atuma described the decision to refer to LagRide drivers as "captains" as reflective of the level of responsibility and professionalism expected from them.
Some of the newly deployed captains shared their experiences, stating that the combination of immediate earning opportunities and the prospect of vehicle ownership influenced their decision to join the platform. With about 400 captains already onboarded, LagRide says further waves will follow as it works towards adding 1,000 more captains by December.
Key points
- LagRide Nigeria has recorded 70% growth and deployed 100 new captains.
- The company aims to onboard 1,000 more captains by December 2026.
- LagRide's Drive-to-Own programme provides a pathway for captains to own vehicles.
