Orodata Science, a data and civic technology organization, has called for stronger safeguards to protect passengers and drivers in Nigeria’s e-hailing industry.
The organization made the call in a report titled, “E-Hailing After Uber: Protecting Consumers, Drivers and the Future,” which examines the implications of Uber’s exit from Nigeria and the future of app-based transportation in the country.
The report reviews the changing competitive landscape involving platforms such as Bolt, inDrive, LagRide, Rida, Shuttlers and SafeBoda.
According to Orodata, Uber’s departure presents an opportunity to reassess the e-hailing sector and strengthen protections for both consumers and drivers.
It said the future of the industry should not be viewed solely through the lens of competition among technology platforms but should also consider the passengers and drivers who rely on e-hailing services for transportation and livelihoods.
The organization identified passenger safety, driver welfare, fares, platform accountability and working conditions as key areas requiring sustained attention.
It called for stronger regulatory and consumer-protection measures as competition among e-hailing platforms continues to evolve.
The report also examined developments in South Africa, highlighting regulatory approaches that Nigeria could consider in strengthening protections for stakeholders in the sector.
Orodata said the changing market provided an opportunity for Nigeria to develop policies that promote innovation while protecting consumers and drivers.
The report comes amid renewed competition among e-hailing operators following Uber’s decision to discontinue its operations in Nigeria after 12 years.
According to the organization, Uber’s exit has raised broader questions about the resilience of Nigeria’s e-hailing sector and the protections available to stakeholders when a major platform leaves the market.
It urged regulators and industry stakeholders to use the transition to strengthen accountability and establish clearer safeguards for operators, drivers and passengers.
Orodata said such measures would help ensure that technological innovation in the transportation sector translates into safer, more reliable and sustainable services for Nigerians.
The organization also called for greater attention to drivers’ working conditions and the economic pressures associated with operating in the e-hailing industry.
It said consumers should have access to safe, reliable and accountable transportation services regardless of the platform they use.
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Orodata said the post-Uber era provided an opportunity to build a more sustainable e-hailing ecosystem anchored on effective regulation, fair competition and consumer protection.
It added that the sector should also respect drivers’ rights and promote greater accountability among operators.
The report forms part of Orodata’s efforts to promote data-driven public discourse and accountability on issues affecting Nigerians.
