A new report has shown that about N34 billion was contributed to the economy of Nigeria by a popular ride-hailing platform, Uber.
The report, conducted by Public First and titled Uber’s Nigeria Economic Impact Report, also revealed that enjoyed a consumer surplus valued at nearly N500 billion through time, cost, and convenience savings.
Launching the survey at the Lagos Road Mobility Summit last week, the General Manager for Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, Deepesh Thomas, was quoted as saying in a statement that, “Uber is more than a way to move from A to B, it’s a platform that empowers people to shape their own futures.
“From drivers who value the flexibility of earning on their own terms, to women who feel safer getting home at night, to local businesses reaching more customers, Uber is proud to be part of Nigeria’s growth story.”
For thousands of Nigerians, Uber has become a lifeline for both income and independence. Drivers using the app earned N6.1 billion more in 2023, with average earnings sitting at 34 per cent higher than their next best alternative.
The report also found that flexibility, the freedom to decide when and how to work, carried an additional financial value of N6.3 billion, with almost nine in 10 drivers (88 per cent) saying this flexibility helps them balance their family responsibilities.
The study also showed that in 2023, the platform generated nearly N930 million in value for the nighttime economy, ensuring more people can safely enjoy restaurants, concerts, and nightlife. Nigeria’s growing tourism industry benefitted too, with Uber adding N5.4 billion in value by helping visitors and locals explore destinations more easily.
At the summit, stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, safety advocates, and industry operators brainstormed to tackle Nigeria’s road safety crisis and highlighted the role of technology-driven platforms like Uber in creating safer, smarter, and more inclusive transport systems.
The programme was held in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, with representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and the World Bank’s SSATP team and others in attendance.