Nigerian ride-hailing drivers launch SimpliRide to rival Bolt, Uber
A group of Nigerian ride-hailing drivers has launched SimpliRide, a locally developed app aimed at taking on industry heavyweights such as Uber, Bolt, LagRide, and InDrive.Drivers who were frustrated with high commissions introduced a subscription-based model where they pay a flat daily fee of ₦500 ($0.33) instead of losing up to ₦15,000 ($10.03) per month through commission deductions.
The app, which is currently available on the Google Play store, has separate versions for drivers and riders.
Early data shows that the driver app has 500 downloads, while the rider app has approximately 100, though official operations have yet to begin.
The move reflects longstanding dissatisfaction in the ride-hailing industry. Drivers have repeatedly expressed concerns about rising fuel prices, high operating costs, and what they see as a lack of support from established platforms, despite monthly meetings hosted by Uber, Bolt, and InDrive.
This frustration has sparked a number of driver-led initiatives in the past, including MyKab in 2020, which later merged with the government-backed LagRide.
The App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has endorsed SimpliRide, but the union insists it is not directly involved.
"The union is not behind SimpliRide," said Jolaiya Moses, AUATON's National Treasurer. "But we support the app because it moves away from commission-based deductions."
He added that SimpliRide promises additional benefits for drivers, such as health and life insurance, as well as performance-based car loans.
However, the initiative has sparked scepticism. Ibrahim Ayoade, AUATON's General Secretary, questioned the feasibility of drivers developing and operating such a platform.
Despite claims of independence, business records show that SimpliRide was registered eight months ago.
Discussions on rideshare.chat also indicate that AUATON may own 40% of the app.
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