Ridesharing is a service that is slowly gaining ground in Nigeria. Ironically, Nigerians have been purchasing ridesharing services for decades, however with the introduction of taxi ridesharing services a new light has been placed upon the concept. In this article, we’ll discuss ridesharing, its presence in Nigeria, and some ridesharing lessons from other parts of the world that Nigerians can learn from.
Nigerians have been sharing rides for decades. We share rides in buses and “danfo” amongst others. However, the introduction of taxi services that are shared between people going to the same location has ruffled a few feathers in Nigeria. This already occurs in public transportation and the complaints of danger in sharing a ride with a stranger is a little ironic when we realise that is what most of us have been doing all our lives. Perhaps this is a dormant opposition to technology as the unknown that has chosen to manifest at the face of this service. Despite this, ridesharing is very efficient for several reasons and we’ll be discussing them alongside lessons from outside Nigeria.
- Combatting Traffic – One of the benefits of ridesharing is that it helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Of course, in Nigeria, this is not the major cause of traffic. Other factors include bad roads and bad driving. However, the lesser number of cars on roads directly impacts the degree of traffic. In more populated areas like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Ota, ridesharing holds amazing benefits for the general population when executed by a noticeable number of people. Countries like the United States have realised the benefits of ridesharing with over 25% of the population using ride-sharing at least once a month.
- Cost-effective – The most highlighted benefit of ridesharing is usually how cost-effective it is and this is true. Ridesharing offers people the comfort and safety of private vehicles at a very affordable price. In Nigeria where the traffic is constant yet unpredictable in its degree, ridesharing can be a wonderful alternative to get home faster and without going over the allocated budget. Inc.Africa reported that in 2014, over 1.1 million rides were being requested each week on ridesharing platforms. Ridesharing is far cheaper than ordering a ride on your own.
- Connecting People – One of the benefits yet often referenced “dangers” of ridesharing is how it brings people together. When you share a ride you either order one with friends or you order one and get matched with other people going towards or to your destination. This is a wonderful way to meet new people in a safer and more even environment. Everyone is meeting on even footing and this gives passengers the chance to meet people and personalities they may have never met otherwise. In a country like Nigeria with so many people, ridesharing is a great way to promote unity between people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life.
- Investment Opportunities – Ridesharing also offers a multitude of investment opportunities due to its rapid growth. It is estimated that in 2025, the ride-sharing market value will reach $220 billion. This provides a lucrative industry for investors and drivers who want to branch into the industry.