LagRide, the Lagos government-backed e-hailing service operated by the CIG Group, has significantly expanded its electric vehicle fleet with the unveiling of 100 new electric cars. This strategic move, announced at a media parley in Alausa, Lagos, aims to accelerate the city's transition to cleaner, smarter, and more reliable mobility. The company plans continuous weekly fleet expansions to meet the escalating demand, particularly during the upcoming Yuletide period.

Executive Director at LagRide, Adeniyi Saliu, highlighted the company’s unwavering focus on clean and smart mobility, affirming that the electric car rollout is in perfect alignment with Lagos State’s economic vision. He underscored the tangible benefits of this shift, which include shorter wait times for riders, significantly lower emissions contributing to a healthier environment, and enhanced reliability, especially during peak travel times. Saliu further noted that the fleet expansion is designed to create thousands of dignified job opportunities across various sectors including operations, maintenance, and driver pathways, thereby improving the daily lives of both residents and visitors.

A cornerstone of LagRide’s operational model is a rigorous maintenance culture. Saliu detailed this culture, which encompasses scheduled preventive servicing, data-guided diagnostics, the exclusive use of quality parts, and a team of highly trained technicians. This is further bolstered by continuous driver education on vehicle care, safety, and efficiency, all culminating in consistent on-road reliability, extended vehicle life, and a superior rider experience. He emphasized that Lagosians will not only notice the new vehicles but also the disciplined approach that ensures they operate at a high standard day after day.

The newly introduced electric cars are specifically engineered for optimal urban performance and efficiency. They boast an impressive range of over 333 kilometers on a single charge and can be recharged to operational readiness in as little as 30 minutes under rapid charging conditions. With multiple charging stations now established across Lagos, sophisticated routing and driver scheduling systems are in place to maximize vehicle uptime and ensure seamless rider movement. The inherent lower running costs of electric vehicles translate to higher income retention for drivers, while their quieter, emissions-free operation makes a substantial contribution to a cleaner, healthier urban environment.

In a parallel development, LagRide also announced the launch of an innovative bank-backed vehicle leasing programme. This initiative is projected to empower 10,000 additional drivers in Lagos, a timely intervention to cater to the heightened demand during the end-of-year rush. Chief Diana Chen, Chairman of CIG Group, elucidated the scheme’s importance, particularly during the “Ember months,” when Lagos transforms into the vibrant heartbeat of Africa with increased family reunions and returning diaspora. She affirmed that LagRide’s mission is to ensure dignified, safe, and joyful movement across the city, and by collaborating with Nigerian banks, the company is effectively handing the steering wheel of this experience to empowered local entrepreneurs.

The vehicle leasing scheme offers drivers swift bank approvals and competitive rates, providing immediate access to brand-new CIG vehicles. This not only affords drivers the opportunity to work with dignity and financial security but also establishes a clear pathway to vehicle ownership in the shortest possible time. Repayments are structured with remarkable flexibility, featuring weekly remittances that are precisely aligned with actual kilometers driven, ensuring that financial commitments mirror usage and remain sustainable. Crucially, the leasing programme comes with comprehensive full cover, integrating maintenance, insurance, and operational support, thereby enabling every driver to concentrate on service delivery without the apprehension of unforeseen costs or disruptions.

Jubril Arogundade, Acting Managing Director of LagRide Nigeria Limited, described this initiative as a direct continuation of LagRide’s foundational promise to deliver local solutions that meet world-class standards. He stated that the new leasing programme upholds this promise by providing drivers with a simple, transparent route to owning their vehicles, which in turn enhances service quality for riders. Ultimately, LagRide believes that just as government-supported e-taxis set benchmarks for safety, affordability, and reliability in global hubs like Dubai, Lagos is now decisively moving in the same direction, driven by professional driver training, public-centric technology, and environmentally protective vehicles.