Susan Abayomi
LagRide Nigeria has recorded a 70 per cent growth in its operations as the mobility company continues to expand its fleet and driver network across Lagos.
The company has added another 100 captains to its platform and plans to recruit 1,000 additional drivers by December 2026 as it prepares to meet rising demand for e-hailing and related mobility services.
The latest batch of 100 captains was deployed on Monday, September 28, at the LagRide hub in Alausa. The deployment represents the fourth phase of an ongoing expansion programme through which about 400 new captains have so far joined the platform.
Speaking during the event, LagRide Nigeria’s Executive Director, Mildred Ekanem, said the company was deliberately increasing its capacity to ensure that the growth in demand is matched by the availability of professionally trained drivers.
According to her, the recruitment programme is open to both men and women, with the company seeking to create employment opportunities while developing a pool of skilled professionals in the mobility sector.
A major component of LagRide’s strategy is its Drive-to-Own programme, which offers eligible captains an opportunity to progress from vehicle rental to ownership.
Ekanem explained that captains who meet the programme’s requirements after operating on the platform for about 90 to 100 days could qualify to move towards owning the vehicles they operate.
The initiative is designed to provide drivers with more than short-term earning opportunities by giving them a pathway towards long-term asset ownership.
Executive Chairman of Tango Brooks Technologies Limited, Peter Atuma, who attended the deployment, said the programme could provide drivers with an opportunity to build towards owning their vehicles rather than remaining solely in a rental arrangement.
Tango Brooks Technologies works with LagRide through the Tango Fuel App, a fuel-management solution aimed at improving efficiency in fleet operations.
LagRide Fleet Manager, Stephen Onah, urged the newly deployed captains to maintain high operational standards, stressing the importance of punctuality, proper vehicle maintenance and compliance with company guidelines.
He assured the drivers that the company would continue to provide support as they work towards building sustainable careers on the platform.
In a message delivered on behalf of LagRide Chairman, Chief Diana Chen, the new captains were also encouraged to prioritise safety, professionalism and good customer service.
The company said its latest expansion is particularly important ahead of the end-of-year period, when transportation demand typically increases across Lagos.
With approximately 400 captains already added under the current deployment programme, LagRide said it would continue with additional recruitment waves as it works towards its target of 1,000 more captains by December.
The expansion forms part of the company’s broader strategy to increase vehicle availability, strengthen its driver network and create opportunities for drivers to progress towards vehicle ownership.
