By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A new in-app audio recording feature to enhance safety, promote respectful interactions, and support fair resolution of disputes between drivers and passengers during rides has been introduced by inDrive.

A statement from the global mobility and urban services platform disclosed that the feature can be activated manually by either the driver or passenger at any point during a trip, providing an additional layer of protection and confidence for both parties.

It complements inDrive’s existing suite of safety tools, including in-trip monitoring, ride-sharing capabilities, and 24/7 customer support. Integrated into the app’s Safety Centre.

The audio recording feature, which is already available in the app, helps address situations where evidence is limited, providing an objective record that enables inDrive’s support team to investigate complaints and resolve disputes fairly.

It also promotes responsible behaviour throughout the ride. Designed with privacy and data security in mind, recordings remain securely stored and are only accessed with a user’s consent as part of an official complaint investigation.

The audio recording feature reflects inDrive’s broader mission of challenging injustice by creating a fairer and more transparent experience for everyone using the platform.

According to the Country Manager for inDrive Nigeria, Mr Timothy Oladimeji, while the vast majority of rides are completed without incident, there are occasional situations where misunderstandings arise, and evidence is limited, making it difficult to determine what transpired.

He added that by providing an additional source of information, the feature enables support teams to conduct more thorough investigations and reach fairer resolutions, ultimately enhancing confidence in the platform for both drivers and passengers.

“Safety remains at the heart of everything we do at inDrive. We understand that privacy is just as important as safety, which is why this feature was developed with strong safeguards to ensure users remain in control.

“The introduction of the audio recording feature reflects our commitment to continuously improving the experience for both passengers and drivers to foster trust, accountability and mutual respect,” he said.

The new audio recording feature is now available within the Safety Centre section of the inDrive app. Users will receive notifications informing them about the feature and how it can be activated when needed.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Popular content creator, Oluwabukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, otherwise known as KieKie, has been unveiled as the Chief Wahala Officer of a global mobility and urban services platform, inDrive.

This creative hiring campaign was designed to shed light on the daily challenges of movement and mobility in Lagos. It follows an overwhelming response to the campaign, which attracted over 450 applications from Nigerians eager to take on the role.

As Chief Wahala Officer, Kiekie will draw attention to the everyday transportation challenges faced by Lagos residents, highlighting issues such as traffic congestion, delivery challenges, unreliable transport options and the difficulties of moving around the city.

Through the #inDriveCWO, she will encourage commuters to share their experiences and perspectives, helping to bring greater public attention to the realities of daily commuting in Lagos.

In addition, the platform is providing an avenue for commuters to share their experiences, helping to bring greater visibility to the challenges of urban mobility and the need for solutions that support easier movement across Lagos.

The Country Manager for inDrive Nigeria, Mr Timothy Oladimeji, explained that the choice of KieKie reinforces the organisation’s strategy of engaging users through familiar voices and personalities who mirror the lived experiences of its community.

He added that KieKie’s involvement will help bring visibility to everyday commuter experiences, encouraging conversation, participation, and shared understanding among platform users.

“KieKie is a perfect fit for this role because she represents exactly what this campaign is about: authenticity, humour and relatability. She has a natural ability to connect with people’s everyday experiences and turn them into conversations that everyone understands.

“In a city like Lagos, where mobility comes with its own daily wahala, we needed someone who can reflect that reality in a way that is both entertaining and truthful, and KieKie does that effortlessly,” he said.

Expressing her excitement about the appointment, Kiekie noted that the role presents an opportunity to shine a light on the everyday mobility challenges faced by Lagos commuters in a relatable and engaging way. She said she looks forward to encouraging more people to share their experiences and contribute to conversations around making daily movement across the city more convenient and enjoyable.

“I am finally happy to announce that I am the Chief Wahala Officer. My dear Lagosians, any delivery or ride-hailing wahala you may be facing is now in the past. Don’t worry, I am on duty, which means everything will go back to normal,” she enthused.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A new vehicle financing initiative designed to allow funding support of up to 90 per cent of a vehicle’s value and repayment tenures of more than four years has been introduced by Access Bank Plc.

This is part of the lender’s vehicle asset financing programme aimed at expanding access to vehicle ownership and mobility services across the country.

Application for the service is through a digital process, the bank’s Executive Director of Corporate and Investment Banking Division, Ms Iyabo Soji-Okusanya, disclosed.

Customers can access vehicles from top distributors like CIG Motors, Mikano Motors, Kewalram Motors, Stallion Motors, Elizade JAC, CFAO and other mobility dealers. They can purchase both new and certified pre-owned vehicles through a single process, she added.

“You apply online, and you go home with the keys to your car already in your pocket,” Ms Soji-Okusanya stated, noting that for businesses, the initiative will provide access to vehicles needed for operations while helping dealers improve inventory turnover and unlock capital tied down in unsold stock.

While explaining how the process works, the Group Head of Access Bank Mobility, Mr Ishmael Nwokocha, said the bank spent the last six months engaging dealers and other stakeholders in the automotive value chain before rolling out the programme.

According to him, Nigeria records annual vehicle sales of about 100,000 units, with only about 10 per cent being brand-new vehicles, while the remaining 90 per cent are pre-owned vehicles, adding that rising vehicle prices have significantly reduced affordability for many Nigerians.

“What are we offering today? Come with 10 per cent equity contribution, and we’ll finance the 90 per cent,” Mr Nwokocha said, noting that customers would also have access to insurance, after-sales services, and a digital loan application process that allows applicants, dealers and the bank to monitor progress.

He said the initiative extends beyond individual consumers to corporate organisations, schools, hospitals and other businesses requiring vehicle fleets, revealing plans to expand financing access to operators in the ride-hailing and transport sectors that are currently outside the formal banking system.

On her part, the Group Head of Product and Segment at Access Bank, Ms Chizoba Iheme, said the bank had put measures in place to support customers who encounter financial difficulties during the repayment period, explaining that affected borrowers could seek loan restructuring rather than risk losing their vehicles immediately.

“So long as the vehicle is still valid, it’s still running on the road, we can look at your finance, and then we’ll repackage your loan,” she said, also clarifying that customers are not required to maintain loans for the full approved tenor and can repay outstanding obligations earlier if they choose.

On the scope of the programme, she said financing is available to individuals, corporates and small businesses seeking vehicles for commercial or operational use.

The Managing Director of CIG Motors, Ms Eniola Olutimilehin, whose company is one of the participating dealers, said the partnership would help connect vehicle buyers with financing while supporting mobility and business operations.

She said the collaboration is expected to improve access to vehicles for individuals and entrepreneurs requiring transportation assets for personal and commercial activities.