LagRide has accelerated the expansion of its driver network, deploying 185 new Captains within two weeks (100 two weeks ago, followed by another 85), as the Lagos mobility company targets another 1,000 drivers amid major changes in Nigeria's ride-hailing market following Uber's exit. The latest 85 Captains were inducted under the third phase of LagRide's Driver-to-Ownership programme, which combines professional driver development, access to vehicles and a structured pathway towards eventual vehicle ownership.
Executive Director of LagRide, Mrs Mildred Ekanem, urged the newly inducted Captains to uphold professionalism, discipline and excellent customer service. LagRide's Driver-to-Ownership initiative operates in two stages: new entrants begin with a rental programme operating LagRide vehicles under a weekly rental arrangement; after a minimum of 90 days of consistent performance, Captains who meet operational, revenue and behavioural standards become eligible for the Drive-to-Own scheme, and successful participants are assessed with partner financial institutions including United Bank for Africa (UBA) before being allocated brand-new LagRide vehicles under a structured ownership arrangement.
'Beyond providing jobs, we are building entrepreneurs and future vehicle owners,' Ekanem said. With 185 Captains deployed in two weeks, LagRide is targeting 1,000 additional Captains. Once Captains transition into ownership, the relationship changes to a commission-based partnership. Drivers Operations Manager Mr Oreoluwa Olatunji assured Captains that management is investing in technology, marketing and corporate partnerships to increase ride demand, and a dedicated business development team attracts corporate clients. Recruitment remains open to all qualified applicants regardless of gender.
