After getting a strong foothold in Lagos, Uber the ride ordering app and company is now available in Abuja.
In 2014, Uber launched in Lagos, entering Abuja is perhaps a prove that Uber has gotten used to Nigeria, one of the most difficult road transport market in Africa.
According to Ebi Atawodi, country director Uber, ‘for those who don’t know, Uber moves around millions of global citizens every day offering affordable and reliable rides at the touch of a button. By offering a friendly and reliable complement to existing transport options, we can help improve urban mobility in Abuja, reduce traffic congestion and the environmental impact of vehicles at the same time.’
Abuja is different from Lagos for the fact that it has a fairly organised taxi system with a relatively low fares within the main city. Uber has come under intense pressure and opposition in most markets with organised taxi markets, Abuja might not be an exception.
Although Lagos has an established taxi culture ‘yellow cabs’, but the market is more competitive with other privately-owned taxi companies such as Easy Taxi and other unbranded personal and corporate players. Abuja’s green taxis are pervasive in the city and Uber might face some challenges along the line. However, Abuja customers will benefit from Uber, an entirely different model like Uber, entering the market.
