Frustrated by high commissions, a group of Nigerian ride-hailing drivers have developed SimpliRide, a local app to challenge the dominance of Uber, Bolt, LagRide, and InDrive. The app operates on a subscription model, charging drivers a flat daily fee of ₦500 ($0.33), significantly lower than the commission-based deductions totalling ₦15,000 ($10.03).
SimpliRide, available on the Google Play Store, features separate apps for drivers and riders. The driver app has seen early traction with 500 downloads and positive reviews, while the rider app has garnered a more modest 100 downloads. Although not officially launched, rider signups can be carried out.
This initiative echoes past driver-led attempts to create alternative platforms, such as MyKab in 2020, which later became the government-backed LagRide. Drivers cite years of discontent due to high operating costs, rising fuel prices, and a perceived lack of responsiveness from established companies. They argue that monthly roundtables—organised by Uber, Bolt, and InDrive—are insufficient to address their daily challenges, leading to frequent strikes and rider frustration. Drivers believe an indigenous app will be more attuned to their specific needs.
The App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has reportedly endorsed SimpliRide, although the union denies direct involvement.
“The union is not behind SimpliRide,” National Treasurer of AUATON, Jolaiya Moses said. “However, we endorse the app because it does not offer a commission-based structure.”
“Drivers will not be blocked unjustly. The union will also join the review to ensure no unjust action is taken. Welfare programs like health insurance, life insurance, car loans based on performance, car repair loans based on performance,” Moses added.
However, the app faces skepticism from within the industry. Ibrahim Ayoade, general secretary of the AUATON, questioned the feasibility of drivers developing and managing an app, citing the technical and financial complexities.
“I am perplexed by the idea of drivers creating an app. This is a recurring issue, and the question remains: can drivers develop an app, and if so, in what capacity? According to our constitution and laws, AUATON is a regulatory body, not a competitor,” Ayoade told Condia.
“As a veteran in this ecosystem, I can attest that this approach won’t work. The individuals involved are top leadership members of AUATON, which is why we didn’t support this unconstitutional movement within the union. We’ve tried to educate them, but their selfish interests have led them to disregard our concerns,” he added.
Despite claims of independence, company background checks from B2BHint— a tool for company checks, indicate that SimpliRide was created eight months ago. Additionally, conversations on rideshare.chat, an online social media community for drivers, suggest a close association between SimpliRide and AUATON, with reports indicating a 40% ownership stake.
SimpliRide’s success will depend on its ability to attract a significant user base and navigate the operational and regulatory challenges of the ride-hailing industry.
