Best Taxi Apps in Nigeria

Best Taxi Apps in Nigeria – Transportation is a crucial part of any country’s infrastructure and economy. An efficient, affordable and accessible transport system enables mobility of people and goods, which in turn facilitates economic and social activities. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous country, has a high demand for transportation services especially in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. With increasing smartphone and internet penetration in the country, ride-hailing apps have emerged over the past few years to meet the growing need for modern, technology-driven transport options. This has revolutionized the taxi industry in Nigeria by providing a convenient way for people to book rides via their mobile phones.Best Taxi Apps in Nigeria

One segment that has experienced massive transformation due to ride-hailing apps is the taxi business. While there are many taxi apps now available in Nigeria, some have stood out for their quality of service, number of drivers and riders, and coverage across major cities. This article will provide a detailed review of the top five taxi apps reshaping the taxi industry in Nigeria. For each app, we will look at the key features, coverage areas, cost, and overall user experience. Read on to find out which taxi apps are the cream of the crop when it comes to booking a cab in Nigeria.

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Uber

Arguably the most popular taxi app in Nigeria, Uber needs no introduction. This American ride-hailing company launched operations in Lagos in 2014 and today has expanded to other major cities including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Owerri.

Key features:
– Cashless payments: Uber pioneered cashless payments for taxi rides in Nigeria. Customers load their debit/credit cards on the app and payment is automatically deducted after each ride. This is convenient, safe and eliminates hassle of having cash on hand.

– Estimated fare: The app provides estimated fare before booking so users know how much they will pay. Fare is calculated based on distance and time travelled.Good morning My Love Message

– Driver and rider rating system: Riders can rate drivers while drivers rate customers after each trip. This helps weed out bad behavior and improves overall experience.

– Multiple ride options: Customers can request basic rides, comfort rides with more legroom, UberX for bigger groups, or luxury rides.

– Safety features: Uber has in-app emergency button, share trip feature and 24/7 customer support for issues during trips.

– Discounts and promotions: Uber frequently runs discount codes and promotions especially for first–time riders to boost app usage.

Coverage areas: Uber has the widest coverage of all taxi apps in Nigeria. It’s available in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Benin City, Akure, Abeokuta, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Calabar, Kano, Ilorin, Osogbo and other major cities.

Cost: Uber offers affordable fares with base fare of N300 and per kilometer charge between N50 to N100 depending on city and type of ride. Minimum fare per trip ranges from N700 to N1300.

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Bolt

Previously known as Taxify, Bolt is an Estonia-based ride-hailing company that launched in Nigeria in 2016. It’s the biggest competitor to Uber with rapidly growing user base and coverage.Information guide Nigeria

Key features:
– Low commissions leading to cheaper fares compared to competitors.
– Cash and card payment options available unlike Uber which is cashless.
– Drivers don’t have strict car requirements so there are more driver-partners on the platform.
– In-app SOS button, share trip and driver identification features for safety.
– Rewards program where users earn points for rides that can be redeemed for free trips and other incentives.

Coverage areas: Bolt now covers all major cities in Nigeria including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Enugu, Benin, Calabar, Asaba, Onitsha, Aba, Abeokuta, Osogbo, Ilorin and Port Harcourt. It has wider coverage than other taxi apps.

Cost: Bolt has affordable fares that undercut Uber in many cities. Flag down is N200-N300 while price per kilometer ranges from N50 to N80. Minimum fare per trip is between N500 to N800.NYSC Portal

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Oga Taxi

A homegrown taxi app launched in 2013, Oga Taxi is focused exclusively on the Nigerian market. It’s popular for affordable rides and availability of local driver-partners.

Key features:
– Low fares compared to competitors due to low commissions and operational costs.
– Accepts both cash and card payments.
– Pre-booking available up to 7 days in advance.
– Panic button and driver ID check for enhanced security.
– Call masking between driver and rider for privacy.
– Uses GPS maps, traffic data for efficient routing and pickup/drop-off.

Coverage areas: Oga Taxi is available in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin and Kano. It has decent coverage across major Nigerian cities but lags behind Uber and Bolt.

Cost: Extremely affordable fares starting from N200 flag down and N50 per kilometer fare. Minimum fare is N500 making it the most pocket-friendly taxi app.

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InDriver

This fast-growing Russian taxi app launched in Lagos in 2019 and relies on a unique bidding system where passengers set fares.JAMB portal

Key features:
– Users set their preferred fare for trips and nearby drivers bid for ride. User can then select bid they like.
– Cash or card payment options available. Cashless payment gets 5% discount on fare.
– Panic button and driver details sharing for added security during trips.
– Free cancellations and ability to change destination mid-ride.
– Low commissions leading to cheaper fares compared to Uber and Bolt.

Coverage areas: Currently focused on Lagos with over 20,000 registered drivers. Plans to expand to other cities underway.

Cost: Very affordable fares. Users can set fares as low as N200 for short trips. Average fares comparable or lower than competitors.

Acar Taxi

A recent entrant founded in 2020, Acar Taxi is a women-focused taxi app based in Abuja with all female drivers. It prioritizes safety and convenience for female passengers.

Key features:
– Caters exclusively to women passengers with 100% female drivers.
– Secure rides with female driver-partners trained in safety procedures.
– Panic alert system plus share-a-ride feature allow loved ones to track user’s ride.
– Cash and card payment options. Discounted fares for cashless transactions.
– Strict driver vetting and onboarding process including background checks.
– 24/7 customer support specifically for women’s safety concerns.Romantic love message

Coverage area: Currently limited to Abuja metropolitan area with plans to expand across Nigeria.

Cost: Affordable fares with N300 minimum fare and N100/km. Introductory discounts offered.

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Conclusion

The entry of ride-hailing apps has bridged the gap in Nigeria’s public transport system by offering modern, convenient and affordable taxi services through smartphones. While there are some concerns around regulation and safety, major apps like Uber and Bolt have invested heavily in improving safety features and screening driver-partners. As more Lagos residents opt for taxi apps over old-school cabs, competition will drive costs lower and enhance service levels – a win-win for Nigerian commuters looking for comfortable and cost-effective rides from point A to B.

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