By Modupe Gbadeyanka

To enhance the safety of riders in Nigeria, a leading multicategory technology company, Glovo, has launched a new road safety feature on its mobile application.

The initiative was introduced in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). It was designed to address key challenges in Nigeria’s fast-growing e-commerce and mobility ecosystem by implementing data-driven preventive measures to enhance road safety.

Also, Glovo has concluded plans with the FRSC to organise a road safety training. This has already been done in Lagos, with the training coming to Abuja on Friday, strengthening rider protection and road safety standards across Nigeria.

The Interim General Manager for Glovo Nigeria, Ms Reni Onafeko, said the new feature reflects the company’s long-term investment in safety, innovation, and responsible business growth in Nigeria.

Ms Onafeko explained that the feature combines advanced technology with structured training to ensure safer roads for riders and the broader public, highlighting the feature’s voluntary opt-in nature, explaining that riders can use it to improve their safety.

“The launch of this new feature reflects our commitment to building a culture of prevention rather than reaction. By equipping riders with real-time data about their riding behaviour, we are empowering them to make safer decisions every day. This initiative is about protection, education, and continuous improvement.

“Our approach combines innovation, partnership, and human-centred design. We are not just introducing a feature; we are reinforcing our responsibility to protect the people who power our platform every day.

“By working closely with regulators and organising safety training for riders, we are contributing to safer roads and a more sustainable ecosystem in Nigeria,” she stated.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation Education and Innovation, Mr Oluwatobi Idowu, noted that the training was a good initiative by Glovo Nigeria, urging riders to take advantage of the unique opportunity to familiarise themselves with the necessary safety rules while driving.

On his part, the Assistant Corps Commander for the Lagos Sector Command of the FRSC, Mr Philip Ogah, who represented the Lagos State Sector Commander, Mr Kehinde G. Hamzat, commended Glovo Nigeria for facilitating a refresher course for riders.

He noted that the training was necessary to help riders be really conscious about their safety, stating that it was better for them to be equipped with such interactive safety tools.

“There are levels of preparation before driving on the road. As a rider, learning is key and a continuous process. This kind of training makes you more informed as you drive.

“As a technological platform, it is good to see that Glovo keeps on ensuring that riders are trained to have a better usage of and better behaviour on Nigerian roads,” the FRSC chief in Lagos stated.

Also speaking, the Head of Operations at Glovo Nigeria, Oluwaseun Okugboye-Bello, explained that the introduction of the safety feature on the Glovo app has become an essential new addition for riders’ self-improvement while collaborating with the platform, noting that it was incorporated into the app to protect riders, commuters, and pedestrians.

At the end of the training session, certificates were presented to 70 participants.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has announced plans to deploy 24 new coaches to boost the capacity of the Red Line rail by the third quarter of 2026.

In a Wednesday statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, LAMATA said it acknowledged recent reports and social media footage highlighting passenger discomfort on the Oyingbo-Agbado train service due to technical issues affecting the air conditioning system.

It noted that the plan to provide the 24 new coaches forms part of its long-term strategy to enhance capacity, comfort and service reliability.

“We sincerely apologise to our valued commuters for the heat and inconvenience experienced during their journey.

“As part of our long-term strategy to enhance capacity, comfort, and service reliability, LAMATA is pleased to announce the expected delivery and operationalisation of additional rolling stock by the third quarter of 2026.

“The new acquisition will comprise three train sets, each with eight coaches, bringing a total of 24 additional coaches to strengthen the existing fleet and improve passenger experience across the Red Line corridor,” the organisation stated.

The statement further revealed that the agency has deployed a technical team to diagnose and resolve the cooling system’s failure to return affected coaches to optimal operating conditions.

“In the immediate term, our technical and engineering teams have been deployed to diagnose and resolve the root cause of the cooling system failure. Restoration works are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to return the affected coaches to optimal operating condition as swiftly as possible.

“LAMATA remains firmly committed to delivering safe, efficient, and world-class rail services. We continue to take proactive measures to minimise technical disruptions and improve overall service quality.

“We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of the public as we complete these essential repairs. The comfort, safety, and well-being of all passengers remain central to our operations,” the statement concluded.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A global mobility and urban services platform, inDrive, for the fourth consecutive year, has emerged as second in ride-hailing app downloads in the world.

In its latest report, a leading market intelligence firm, Sensor Tower, also disclosed that the company ranked fourth globally in the travel category for downloads, up from fifth place in 2024, reflecting growing engagement as it continues its transition into a super app.

It was also revealed that inDrive was ranked number one in the travel category by downloads in nine countries, with newcomers to the list including Peru and Pakistan, and placed among the top three most downloaded travel apps in 22 countries.

The chief executive of inDrive, Mr Arsen Tomsky, while commenting on these feats and others, said the continued rise underscores a broader shift toward multi-service platforms that deliver everyday value while remaining closely aligned with local market needs and user expectations.

“Maintaining our position as the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app for a fourth consecutive year is a powerful validation of the value inDrive delivers to its users every day.

“This recognition reflects the trust people place in our platform and the continued dedication of our global team.

“As inDrive evolves into a super app, we remain focused on our core principles of fairness, transparency, and user choice, while expanding access to services that make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives,” Mr Tomsky said.

The latest report highlights that super app ecosystems are becoming a key growth driver for the ride-hailing industry, particularly in emerging markets where users are engaging more frequently and across a broader range of use cases.

The inDrive app – defined by its peer-to-peer pricing model that allows drivers and riders to agree on a fair price mutually – has now been downloaded over 400 million times since its launch. Available in 1,065 cities worldwide, it has facilitated more than 8 billion transactions.

The platform operates across 48 countries, driven by strong global adoption, including growing momentum across Africa and continued growth in Nigeria.

In 2025, inDrive accelerated its transition into a super app, expanding beyond its core ride-hailing offering to offer additional services, including intercity transportation, courier, grocery delivery, and financial services.

By expanding its offering and meeting more of its users’ daily needs, inDrive is driving deeper and more frequent user engagement – an approach that underpins its continued global momentum.

Technology under the hood, including AI and advanced analytics, plays a significant role in supporting this evolution by enabling greater personalization and more seamless user experiences.

From using machine learning to fix mapping gaps and deliver more accurate ETAs, to predictive analytics that anticipate user needs and personalize service offerings, these capabilities drive innovation. In contrast, ensuring users retain complete control over pricing decisions is consistent with inDrive’s commitment to fairness through choice.