Emma Okonji
inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has extended its peer-to-peer ride-hailing services in 15 new Nigerian cities and has launched its freight services in Lagos.
The ride-hailing company disclosed this at the just concluded Lagos Startup Week, an event that celebrates entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa in Lagos.
Business Development Representative, inDrive Nigeria, Mr. Timothy Oladimeji, said inDrive’s commitment to community empowerment through fair, transparent urban mobility, and delivery solutions was underlined by the new expansion within Nigeria. The company sees vast opportunities within this dynamic country and is eager to engage and serve new local markets.
The ride-hailing service has already achieved a triumphant operation in Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan. With the forthcoming grand launch this July, the service will further extend its reach to Kano, Kaduna, Benin City, Nnewi, Aba, Onitsha, Jos, Enugu, Warri, Abeokuta, Akure, Owerri, Calabar, Ado, Ekiti and Uyo. These metropolitan areas stand to gain immensely from the access and convenience that inDrive provides.
Speaking on the importance of brand differentiation and positioning, Oladimeji said: “A brand’s unique value proposition is what sets it apart from the crowd. It is the key driver that leads a business into carving out its unique space in the market and attracts the right kind of customers. For instance, inDrive Nigeria, by implementing a peer-to-peer business model, positioned itself differently than traditional ride-sharing services. This model empowers both drivers and riders to dictate their experiences, thereby challenging prevailing market norms.
“By focusing on this unique model, inDrive has positioned itself as a forerunner in people-first focused transportation services.”
Speaking about its Peer-to-Peer Business Model, he said: “This model has revolutionised traditional ride-hailing services. inDrive connects individuals who need a ride with drivers who have a car and are willing to provide this service. It has created an environment that not only benefits the users by providing a reliable and affordable transport service, but it also empowers drivers by offering them a flexible employment opportunity. This unique model fosters a strong sense of community and helps inDrive stand out in a crowded marketplace. It has been a key factor in the growth of inDrive, demonstrating the power of a shared, community-based economy.”
According to him, inDrive Nigeria has recognised the importance of challenging prevailing market injustices by prioritising the community above all else. Unlike traditional ride-sharing services that often impose high commission rates on drivers, leading to difficulties in earning a sustainable income, inDrive has taken a different approach, Oladimeji said.
“By charging only a 10 per cent service fee inclusive of VAT, inDrive has effectively confronted this injustice and fostered a fairer distribution of earnings. This positioning not only sets inDrive apart from its competitors but also demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility and creates a strong foundation for future growth,” Oladimeji further said.
