Difficulties Persist for Uber Drivers in the Current Landscape
In the bustling city of Benin, Edo state, two men, Chimezie and Efosa, have found a new way to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. Both have turned to ride-hailing services, providing a lifeline for them and their families.
Chimezie, a retired father of seven, joined Bolt in March and continues to drive despite the pandemic. His decision to join the platform was a necessary one, as he sought a means to supplement his income.
Meanwhile, Efosa, who graduated with an upper second class honours in 2017, found himself drawn to the online world in September 2020. He invested his savings and bus-driving experience in a Toyota Corolla and joined the ranks of the red-yellow taxi drivers in Benin, the Edo state capital.
However, the ride-hailing industry in Nigeria has not been without its trials. In 2019, OCar, a popular online ride-hailing platform in Lagos, was shut down by OPay due to harsh business conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This event was followed by the launch of Ekocab, an online platform for Lagos's traditional yellow taxis, in March. Despite the government's regulatory fights with Uber and Bolt raising suspicions of favouritism towards Ekocab, the platform has yet to capture the public's imagination or pose a serious threat to the established players.
In a bid to regulate the industry, the Lagos state government floated a plan with new guidelines and levies in September 2020. This move was met with public outrage, leading to the revised downwards of fees and the clarification that the government was not asking for identified data.
Despite these challenges, Efosa finds solace in the flexibility offered by the ride-hailing platforms. He appreciates not being bound by a contract mandating a fixed number of days or hours before he is paid. This flexibility has been crucial in helping him navigate the unpredictable times brought about by the pandemic.
In a city outside of Lagos, a new ride-hailing company named Ayo Ride launched in December. This company connects drivers of traditional yellow taxis online and offers free mobile phones for registration. Six other drivers in the city are inactive on Uber, which launched there in July 2019 but appears to have struggled for traction.
As for Chimezie, he has yet to work a straight week since signing up on Bolt in October. Despite the ups and downs, he remains resilient, continuing to drive and provide for his family.
Efosa's story is a testament to the resilience of the Nigerian spirit. After losing ₦150,000 to a scam in 2019, he has bounced back, finding a new path forward in the digital world. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, there is always a way forward.
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