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Uber Launches New Products, Expands to Akure, Owerri

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By Adedapo Adesanya

Ride-hailing giant, Uber, has announced the launch of multiple new products and features in Nigeria as well as other Sub-Saharan African countries like South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The launch, which took place simultaneously across various locations in Sub-Saharan Africa markets, also showcased the latest addition to its suite of safety features.

Speaking at the event, General Manager for Uber SSA, Mr Kagiso Khaole, said the brand was pleased to be expanding into eight more cities during September across Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

“As we gear ourselves to mark our 10th year anniversary next year, we are excited about moving into more cities enabling people to go anywhere and can get anything. Our commitment to raising the bar on safety remains relentless and we continue to work hard to grow the over 3 million earnings opportunities we have created thus far,” he said.

In Nigeria, Uber will now be operational in Owerri and Akure in Nigeria and will expand its operations to Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru and Naivasha in Kenya; and Tamale and Sunyani in Ghana.

Uber say this is part of its commitment to the region and signals more opportunities for more drivers to earn, while riders have convenient and reliable travel options at the tap of a button.

To help reduce costs for riders and increase demand for drivers, Uber launched UberX Share in Ghana and Nigeria, and Uber ChapChap Share in Kenya.

Uber’s shared rides offering allows riders to save up to 30 per cent of the trip fare when matched with a co-rider heading in the same direction, and where a match is not possible, they will still be able to save 5 per cent from their ride.

Speaking on this, Mr Khaole said — “The introduction of UberX Share allows us to proudly demonstrate the power of our platform, understanding the ability to match rider destinations while delivering convenience and affordability. We are a global company that builds locally; and in Ghana, we tapped into the local culture of car-pooling when moving around, which makes this product a great fit for the market.”

It also launched UberXL in Nairobi, Kenya to make travelling across the city with an entire crew has less easier. This option provides seating for up to six people which is great for airport and business trips where extra luggage space may be required. In South Africa, riders can now reserve their group travel 30 days in advance with UberXL Reserve and Uber Van Reserve.

Uber Comfort, which is currently available in South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, will now be available in Ghana. This bespoke offering is designed for riders looking for an upgrade to their everyday ride with extra comfort. Drivers on Uber Comfort are known to provide excellent service, while exhibiting friendliness, courtesy and professionalism.

Uber Connect, one of the app’s most popular products available in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana. This will soon be available in two additional cities in Nigeria.

Uber Connect is an on-demand delivery solution that allows users to send and receive packages with speed. The feature comes built-in with a PIN verification providing users peace of mind that their package is being delivered to the right person.

The company said this will help it take a stand for safety.

“Safety is at the core of how we do business and we are proud to announce three new safety features to help improve the experience of users”, says Mr Khaole.

Among the other products is an Audio Recording pilot in South Africa. With this, Uber will now allow riders and drivers to use the app to record and share audio of their trip as evidence in the case of a safety incident – something that drivers have been asking for based on their feedback from roundtable sessions. This new opt-in audio recording feature, which is being piloted in Pretoria and Johannesburg, has been successful in the US and Latin American regions where Uber has a presence.

Also launched was the in-app emergency service in Nigeria. The firm has partnered with Sety to provide on-demand security and medical response for riders and drivers while on a trip. This collaboration will also provide access to a private security response unit closest to their location, using a connected device.

It also announced Safety Check-Up across SSA. This feature encourages riders to complete their safety profile by turning on and utilising the available features such as Trusted Contacts, PIN verification and RideCheck. This is available in all the countries within SSA where Uber operates.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Dangote Becomes Largest Operator of CNG Trucks With $280m Investment

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By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Over $280 million has been invested by Dangote Cement Plc in compressed natural gas (CNG) technology and infrastructure to enhance energy efficiency and drive economic growth in Nigeria.

The cement maker turned to CNG in demonstration of its support for President Bola Tinubu’s drive for cheaper and cleaner fuelling alternatives for all Nigerians.

At a recent event, the President emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to utilise its vast natural gas resources in the transportation sector.

He stated that CNG transportation is an economic necessity for Nigeria, signalling a significant shift in the country’s approach to public transportation and energy use.

This has spurred Dangote Cement to adopt CNG, reflecting its dedication to mitigating climate change and supporting a transition to a low-carbon economy, making it the largest operator of CNG trucks in the country.

The chief executive of Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, said his company’s investments in CNG are also in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.

“In this pursuit of transition to clean energy, we are optimistic of a remarkable accomplishment by President Tinubu, as he has taken the lead in the nation’s drive towards energy efficiency. This presupposes private sector intervention to support this noble idea initiated by the President,” he stated.

The businessman noted that the firm’s early adoption of CNG has made it the largest operator of CNG trucks in Nigeria, emphasising that the initiative is a boost to Mr Tinubu’s quest towards enhancing the nation’s energy independence and contributing to a more secure energy future.

“We are now using CNG vehicles, especially with the new policy of the federal government, launched under the Renewed Hope Agenda by President Tinubu. We are committed to a cleaner and greener future,” Mr Dangote said.

On his part, the chief executive of Dangote Cement, Mr Arvind Pathak, said the cement miller aims to acquire 100 per cent CNG trucks as part of a long-term plan to transition its entire fleet to CNG.

He disclosed that the CNG infrastructure investments have positively influenced Nigeria’s transition to cleaner fuels, adding that the CNG station at Obajana, capable of refuelling over 3,000 trucks, exemplifies this commitment, with a second station currently under development in Ibese to support fleet operations further.

“By mid-2026, Dangote Cement aims to operate a fleet predominantly powered by CNG. To facilitate this transformation, we are investing in expanding our CNG fuelling infrastructure, ensuring that our growing fleet has reliable access to CNG as our fuel,” Mr Pathak said.

He added that plans are afoot to aggressively pursue this timeline of deployment, beginning from the first quarter of 2025, saying, “We are keeping our eyes on the ball to ensure that we do not miss our target dates of full compliance.”

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Lagos Red Rail Line to Begin Full Passenger Operations October 15

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State Government has announced that the Red Rail line will begin full passenger operations on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo.

“Full passenger operations on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line will commence on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Abimbola Akinajo affirmed today,” a public notice from the agency read.

According to LAMATA, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, members of his executive council, and other dignitaries will launch the passenger operations and ride with commuters on the first fee-paying passenger trip.

Mrs Akinajo said that train services would commence daily from Agbado at 6.00 am.

“Before now, trips have emanated from Oyingbo at 9.00 am. The first train therefore got to Agbado at 10.07 am. The adjusted timetable foreshadows upcoming commercial passenger operations commencing on Tuesday, 15th October 2024,” the agency said.

He explained that the new timetable was the outcome of data gathered through the series of tests, including that for the non-fee-paying passengers. According to him, the new timetable gives priority to the origin trips from Agbado where riders live and work at Ikeja, Oshodi, and Lagos Island.

“For passengers whose journeys terminate on Lagos Island, buses will be available at Oyingo bus terminal for them to complete their journeys,” LAMATA said.

“It would be recalled that infrastructure for the Red Line was commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 29th February 2024. The Red Line’s first phase spanning 27 kilometres has eight stations at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, lju, and Agbado.”

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FRSC to Announce New Rates for Driver’s Licence, Number Plates

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said it would update members of the public on the new rates for driver’s licences and number plates.

On Wednesday, the agency, through its social media platforms, released a revised rate for the items, attributing the increase to the Joint Tax Board (JTB).

However, after removing the information from its platform, it issued a rejoinder, claiming the image of the JTB was added to the notice “in error.”

In the now-deleted flyer, the road safety organisation said from November 1, 2024, to obtain a 3-year motor vehicle driver’s licence, applicants will pay N15,000, while the 5-year licence will cost N21,000.

As for the 3-year motorcycle and tricycle driver’s licence, it will now be N7,000 and N11,000 for the 5-year licence.

It also said the standard private vehicle number plate will cost N30.000, the standard commercial vehicle number plate will also be N30,000, while the fancy vehicle number plate will cost N400,000.

In addition, the motorcycle number plate will be N12,000, the articulated vehicle number plate will be N90,000, the deal motor vehicle number plate will be N100,000, the government fancy motor vehicle number plate will be N120,000, the government standard number plate will be N80,000, the government fancy motorcycle number plate is N50,000, and the government standard motorcycle number plate will beN20,000.

But in its rejoinder signed by its Assistant Corps Marshal for Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Thursday, the agency said, “Recall a flyer earlier released on revised rates for number plates and driver’s licence bearing JTB logo, which was earlier released on FRSC social media page, the corps wishes to inform the general public to disregard the content of the flyer, particularly as it relates to the JTB logo, which was added in error.

“Further information on the revised rates will be made available to the public in due course. The Corps regrets any inconveniences caused by the release.”

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