Lagride, the Lagos State–backed e-hailing platform, has announced the rollout of 100 new electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its ambitious plan to capture 70% of the Lagos e-hailing market.
The initiative marks the beginning of a larger strategy to deploy over 3,000 EVs in the next three years, transforming Lagos into a hub for cleaner and smarter mobility.
With a driving range of 333 kilometers, the EVs can cover round trips between Lagos and Ibadan without recharging, addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, range anxiety.
Competing with Global Ride-Hailing Giants
Lagride’s expansion aims to challenge market leaders such as Uber, Bolt, and InDrive.
Speaking during a media briefing, Ifeanyi Abraham, PR and Communications Lead at Lagride, emphasized that Lagos is aligning with global transport standards, comparing the move to Dubai’s government-backed taxi systems.
“We are now moving decisively in the same direction with professional driver training, technology that serves the public, and vehicles that protect the environment,” Abraham said.
The company also plans to revamp its mobile application, allowing riders to choose between a petrol vehicle or an EV when booking rides.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
According to Adeniyi Saliu, Lagride’s Executive Director, the EV rollout is central to Lagos State’s economic transformation agenda.
He noted the benefits of the project, including:
- Reduced wait times for riders
- Lower emissions and environmental impact
- Improved reliability during peak periods
- Job creation across driver training, fleet maintenance, and operations
Lagride is also offering flexible ownership pathways for drivers, with repayment terms ranging from 18 months to four years, designed to increase driver earnings and support livelihoods.
The company plans to add 5,000 vehicles to its fleet within three years—of which more than 3,000 will be electric.
“Our plan, objectively, is to take at least 70% of this market because of the scale of our investments in assets, infrastructure, and people,” Saliu stated.
Lagos State’s Broader Vision for Sustainable Mobility
This expansion builds on a joint venture agreement signed last year between the Lagos State Government and CIG Motors Company Limited, covering the acquisition of 5,000 brand-new vehicles for the Lagride fleet.
At that time, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed that at least 1,000 electric vehicles would be included, underscoring his administration’s vision to modernize Lagos transportation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The governor stressed that the initiative is part of efforts to build an integrated urban transit system, offering a sustainable alternative to outdated transport options.
Key Takeaway
With its bold target of 70% market share and significant investment in electric vehicles, Lagride is positioning itself as a game-changer in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry. The rollout not only strengthens Lagos’s standing in global mobility trends but also promises economic growth, cleaner transport, and improved livelihoods for thousands of residents.
