Lagride, the Lagos State–backed e-hailing service, has announced a bold expansion plan as it targets 70 percent of the Lagos ride-hailing market. The company unveiled 100 brand-new electric vehicles as part of its commitment to smart and sustainable mobility.
This rollout represents the first phase of a larger plan to introduce more than 3,000 electric vehicles into Lagos roads over the next three years. The move positions Lagride as a strong competitor to global players like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive while aligning Lagos with global cities that are prioritizing clean energy in transport.
Lagos Takes a Step Toward Cleaner Mobility
According to Lagride, the electric vehicles in its fleet have a range of 333 kilometers. This capacity means they can handle long distances such as a return trip between Lagos and Ibadan without recharging, a major step toward reducing range anxiety among users.
At a media briefing, the company’s PR and Communications Lead, Ifeanyi Abraham, explained that Lagos is taking cues from global hubs such as Dubai, where government-backed transport solutions have set benchmarks for safety, affordability, and reliability.
“We are moving in the same direction with professional driver training, technology designed for public convenience, and vehicles that protect the environment,” Abraham said.
He also noted that the company selected the vehicles to meet the unique challenges of Lagos traffic, including charging infrastructure support and long-distance reliability. The mobile app will also be revamped, giving riders the option to choose between petrol or electric vehicles when booking trips.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Lagride’s Executive Director, Adeniyi Saliu, emphasized that the rollout of electric vehicles is not only an environmental milestone but also an economic one. The initiative ties directly into Lagos State’s economic transformation agenda.
He highlighted benefits such as reduced wait times, lower emissions, and more reliable service during peak periods.
“This is the first company in Nigeria to bring electric vehicles into large-scale operations of this nature,” Saliu said. “We are creating thousands of jobs through driver training, fleet operations, and vehicle maintenance.”
Saliu added that Lagride has designed flexible ownership plans for drivers, with repayment schedules ranging from 18 months to four years. This, he explained, will help drivers increase their earnings and improve livelihoods while lowering the cost of ownership.
The company also disclosed plans to add 5,000 vehicles to its fleet within three years, of which more than 3,000 will be electric. By reducing reliance on petrol, Lagride expects to lower operating costs for drivers while making the service more sustainable.
“Our objective is to capture at least 70 percent of the market,” Saliu said. “We have invested heavily in assets, infrastructure, and people to make this a reality.”
Lagos Government’s Backing
This expansion builds on a joint venture agreement signed last year between the Lagos State Government and CIG Motors Company Limited. That partnership facilitated the acquisition of 5,000 new vehicles, including 1,000 electric units, for the Lagride fleet.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has repeatedly highlighted the importance of this initiative as part of his administration’s drive to modernize Lagos public transportation. His vision is for a fully integrated urban transit system that provides residents with safe, affordable, and sustainable mobility options.
The introduction of electric vehicles is a step in that direction. It represents a shift away from outdated transport models toward a modern ecosystem that blends convenience with environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As Lagos continues to grow into a megacity of over 20 million residents, demand for reliable mobility solutions will only increase. Lagride’s strategy combines clean energy with smart technology, offering a model that could redefine urban mobility in Nigeria and beyond.
For passengers, it means more choices and greater convenience. For drivers, it provides better earnings and ownership opportunities. For the city, it is a pathway toward reducing emissions and creating jobs in the emerging green economy.
The journey to sustainable transport has only just begun, but with Lagride at the forefront, Lagos is positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s transition to smarter mobility.
