New report yesterday revealed that ride hailing giant, Uber contributed an estimated N34 billion to Nigeria’s economy in 2023.
The findings of Uber Nigeria Economic Impact Report, which was conducted by Public First, was inaugurated at the recent Lagos Road Mobility Summit.
This was an event co-hosted by Uber and the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, which had as theme: “Reimagining an Inclusive Road Safety Strategy.”
It brought together key stakeholders from government agencies along with global safety experts and private sector leaders.
The report said Uber provided significant value in convenience, safety and empowerment for drivers and riders.
General Manager of Uber Sub-Saharan Africa, Deepesh Thomas said at the summit that beyond the direct economic contribution, Uber riders enjoy a consumer surplus valued at nearly N500 billion through savings in time, cost and convenience.
Thomas said the report also focused on the socio-economic benefits for thousands of drivers on the platform.
He said drivers earned N6.1 billon more in 2023, with their average earnings being 34 percent higher than their next best alternative.
According to him, the study also placed a value of N6.3 billion on the flexibility drivers have to choose their own working hours.
“It is a key factor for 88 percent of drivers who said this flexibility helps them balance family responsibilities.
“The report also found that safety and convenience are the primary reasons Nigerians choose the service.
“With 97 percent of riders citing safety as a key reason for using the app,” he said.
Thomas noted that the study showed that this was particularly true for women, as 78 percent stated that Uber was the safest way for them to get home at night.
He added that 79 percent of riders agreed that the service helped to reduce drunk driving by offering a reliable way to travel after dark.
According to him, beyond individual benefits, the report indicated that Uber’s presence has a positive ripple effects on local communities.
The general manager said the platform generated nearly N930 million for the nighttime economy and added N5.4 billion in value to Nigeria’s growing tourism sector.
He noted that the study also showed riders collectively saved more than 1.8 million hours in 2023, time that could be redirected to other personal and professional pursuits.
The summit itself served as a platform for dialogue on Nigeria’s road safety challenges.
The key participants include the Director of Transport Operation, Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Mr Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, and representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC.
A Senior Transport Specialist with the World Bank’s Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Policy Programme, SSATP, team, Marisela Ponce de Leon Valdes, also presented insights from the Africa Road Safety Status Report 2025.
A high-level discussion with transport leaders underscored the importance of public-private collaboration.
The panellists were Head of Driver Operations for Uber West Africa, Efunlola Hughes, and representatives from LASTMA and other transport agencies.
The organisers said by bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, it highlighted the potential of technology-driven platforms in creating safer and more inclusive transport systems for all Nigerians. (NAN)
