inDrive avoids ban in Nigeria's capital, secures licence

Ride-hailing company inDrive has been granted a licence to operate in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, according to Timothy Oladimeji, a senior business representative for inDrive Nigeria. This comes after the Federal Capital Territory Administration said three months ago that inDrive was operating illegally.

"We look forward to serving the people of Abuja and building strong partnerships within the local community," Oladimeji said. 

inDrive started offering rides in Abuja in March 2023 and quickly became popular, with users averaging 212 rides each in the first few months. 

But what truly sets inDrive apart, especially for drivers, is its unique bidding system. "I used to drive for other apps, but inDrive's ability to negotiate fares directly with passengers makes it much more appealing," shared Amos Dung*, an Abuja-based inDrive driver, in a recent interview. "With rising fuel costs, negotiating offline on other platforms is a constant battle, but inDrive eliminates that stress."

Recently, Bolt introduced a similar customer-driver negotiation model, suggesting a potential shift in the Nigerian ride-hailing market.

Beyond the bidding system, drivers like Dung appreciate inDrive's competitive commission rates. While some competitors charge drivers up to 25%, inDrive keeps its fees low at just 10%, making it a more attractive option for those behind the wheel.

However, some challenges remain. One inDrive driver in Abuja who spoke to Bendada.com acknowledged the need for increased marketing efforts. "The app doesn't have as many users as established players like Bolt and Uber," he said. "While drivers know the benefits, attracting more riders is important."

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