LagRide, a ride-hailing service in Lagos, is facing a major crisis as drivers are quitting the app in large numbers. The drivers are frustrated with a series of issues that have made it nearly impossible for them to earn a decent living. From unfair payment systems to a poorly designed app, the problems are piling up, and drivers have had enough. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why drivers are leaving.

The Payment System is Driving Drivers Away

One of the biggest complaints from LagRide drivers is the new payment system. Under this system, drivers must send all their earnings to LagRide’s account and wait a full week to get paid. In the meantime, they’re only allowed to keep ₦10,000 per day as a temporary measure.

For many drivers, this amount is far too little to cover their daily expenses. “I spend at least ₦20,000 on fuel every day,” one driver explained. “What can I do with ₦10,000? Should I buy fuel or food?” This policy has left drivers struggling to make ends meet, forcing many to quit the app altogether.

Another major issue is the LagRide app itself. Drivers say it lacks basic features like Google Maps, which makes it hard to navigate and find passengers. The app’s current map system doesn’t cover all areas of Lagos, leaving drivers stranded in unfamiliar locations.

To make matters worse, riders can’t even input their destination on the app. This often leads to confusion and arguments over fares and routes. “The app is a mess,” one driver said. “It’s like they want us to fail.”

Not Enough Customers

Even if the app worked perfectly, drivers say there’s another big problem: not enough people are using LagRide. The app simply isn’t well-known in Lagos, and drivers feel the company isn’t doing enough to attract riders.

Instead of launching advertising campaigns, LagRide seems to expect drivers to market the platform themselves. “How can we grow if no one knows about the app?” a driver asked. “The company needs to step up and promote itself.”

New Management, Same Problems

The issues started when LagRide switched management from Zeno to CIG Motors in late 2024. While CIG Motors promised a fresh start with a focus on electric cars, the transition has been anything but smooth.

Drivers say the new app feels like it was designed for salaried workers, not for those under LagRide’s drive-to-own plan. “The app doesn’t fit our needs,” one driver complained. “It’s like they didn’t even think about us when they built it.”

Drivers Are Demanding Change

Fed up with the status quo, LagRide drivers have laid out a list of demands:

1. Faster Payments: They want to be paid within 24 hours, not once a week.
2. A Better App: Drivers are calling for Google Maps integration and fixes for technical glitches.
3. An Exit Plan: Those under the drive-to-own scheme want a clear two-year exit plan.
4. More Marketing: Drivers want LagRide to invest in advertising to attract more riders.

Until these changes are made, many drivers have decided to stop using the app altogether. “We’ve had enough,” said Abby, a driver representative. “If they don’t fix these issues, no one will use their app.”

Will LagRide Listen?

Hon Adeniyi Saliu, Executive Director of LagRide, has promised to address the drivers’ concerns. He’s asked CIG Motors to improve payment timelines and expand the app’s coverage to more areas in Lagos. But drivers aren’t holding their breath.

“We’ve heard promises before,” one driver said. “Actions speak louder than words.”

What’s Next for LagRide?

LagRide is at a tipping point. If the company wants to keep its drivers and grow its business, it needs to act fast. Fixing the app, improving payments, and attracting more customers should be top priorities. Otherwise, LagRide risks losing even more drivers—and its place in the competitive ride-hailing market.

This is a story of frustration, but also one of hope. If LagRide listens to its drivers and makes the necessary changes, it could turn things around. But for now, the ball is in their court. Will they step up, or will they watch their platform crumble? Only time will tell.