SimpliRide Launches in Nigeria to Fix Ride-Hailing Problems

Beulah Godfrey

April 24, 2025
3 min read

SimpliRide, a new ride-hailing app, has entered the Nigerian market to challenge big players like Bolt and Uber. The app aims to fix problems that e-hailing drivers face, such as high commissions, poor earnings, and a lack of support.

SimpliRide’s Director of Business Development, Dr. Raymond Odu Dibang-Achua, said the company built the app after listening to Nigerian drivers. According to him, the goal is to give drivers more control and better treatment. He explained that SimpliRide was created in Nigeria by Nigerian engineers through a tech firm called Epevs Studio.

Instead of taking a large percentage from every trip, SimpliRide uses a flat daily fee. After a free 30-day trial, drivers pay only ₦1,500 per day, no matter how many trips they complete. This model allows drivers to earn more money compared to other apps that charge up to 35% commission. The company also returns part of the daily fee to drivers as cash rewards.

SimpliRide gives riders and drivers the option to negotiate trip prices. This flexibility helps both parties agree on fair rates without being forced to accept set prices. Right now, the app is available in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The company says it will launch in more cities soon.

SimpliRide Partners with Drivers’ Union

To improve working conditions, SimpliRide partnered with the Nigerian e-hailing drivers’ union, AUATON. Although rumors suggested that drivers own the app, the union explained that they only support the app because it respects drivers and involves them in decision-making. The partnership allows joint decisions on trip pricing and working conditions.

Under the agreement with AUATON, SimpliRide promises several benefits. These include health and life insurance, savings for retirement and home ownership, and more control over ride acceptance. Drivers will also enjoy round-the-clock support and cannot be deactivated without a fair hearing. The app also plans to improve rider safety and reduce fraud by requiring identity checks.

While many drivers support SimpliRide, others feel unsure about the app’s reach. They believe the company must do more to promote the app to riders. Some drivers worry that without strong public awareness, riders may not download or use the app, no matter how driver-friendly it is.

In response, SimpliRide said it has already started promoting the app to the public. The company claims it is running campaigns to attract riders and make the platform more visible. It believes more people will switch once they learn about the app’s benefits and fairness.

SimpliRide has set out to solve real problems in Nigeria’s e-hailing industry. By focusing on fairness, transparency, and local development, the company hopes to change how ride-hailing works. If its model succeeds, it could lead the way for a more balanced and respectful system, starting with Nigeria and eventually spreading across Africa.