Lagos is set for a major transportation boost as LagRide deploys 400 new vehicles and targets the mobilisation of more than 1,000 additional Captains by December 2026 to meet the expected surge in movement during the Ember Months and Detty December.
The mass deployment, which commenced yesterday at the LagRide Centre, Alausa, Lagos, saw more than 100 Captains drive out in newly deployed vehicles as the company launched its 2026 Driver Mobilisation and Fleet Flag-Off.
LagRide said the 400-vehicle rollout would continue in phases, with additional Captains expected to join the platform as the company expands its coverage across Lagos.
The company is targeting more than 200,000 rides during the Ember Months, when business activities, tourism, entertainment, airport traffic and social events traditionally trigger a sharp increase in movement across the metropolis.
Executive Director of LagRide Nigeria, Mildred Ekanem, said the expansion was coming on the back of an existing fleet of more than 2,000 vehicles already operating across Lagos.
“We already have over 2,000 LagRide vehicles on the road across Lagos, and we are expanding from that position of strength.
“The 400 vehicles being deployed are part of our immediate expansion, and between now and December, we are targeting the mobilisation of over 1,000 additional Captains,” she said.
Ekanem explained that the company was preparing ahead of the anticipated increase in transportation demand during the Ember Months.
“Our focus is expanded availability, wider coverage and ensuring that when customers need a LagRide, there are more Captains ready to serve them,” she added.
Expands to FESTAC, Ikorodu, Ajah
As part of the expansion, LagRide is increasing its presence in communities including FESTAC, Ikorodu and Ajah, while also boosting the number of Captains operating in areas already covered by the platform.
The company said the move would give customers greater access to vehicles, particularly during peak periods when demand for transportation is expected to rise.
The deployment followed a series of community-based activations conducted by LagRide in recent weeks to engage existing and prospective customers and build momentum ahead of the Ember Months and Detty December.
LagRide also plans to roll out promotional offers, customer rewards and incentives during the period to encourage increased patronage.
Ekanem said the company’s 24-hour customer service centre would remain operational throughout the period to handle complaints, enquiries and issues, including cases of passengers leaving personal belongings in vehicles.
The company also benefits from the service infrastructure of CIG Group and GAC Motor, with several maintenance centres across Lagos.
Its Alausa facility operates as an express service centre dedicated to LagRide vehicles, helping to reduce maintenance downtime and return vehicles to the road faster.
More Captains to own cars
The expansion is also expected to boost participation in LagRide’s Drive-to-Own programme, which gives Captains an opportunity to work towards eventual vehicle ownership.
Under the programme, Captains undergo an initial 90-day rental period before becoming eligible to transition towards vehicle ownership, subject to meeting stipulated performance requirements.
LagRide’s Director of Public Relations, Ifeanyi Abraham, charged the newly deployed Captains to demonstrate professionalism, honesty, diligence and pride in representing the company.
“We want our Captains to wear the LagRide identity with pride. Every time you pick up a customer, you are representing LagRide and you are representing Lagos.
“The standard of service our customers experience starts with you,” Abraham said.
He urged the media to highlight the wider impact of the company’s expansion on transportation, technology, tourism, employment and economic empowerment.
According to him, Lagos’ position as one of Africa’s major business, entertainment and tourism destinations makes reliable transportation crucial during the city’s busiest months.
Abraham said the company wanted its Captains to develop a strong professional identity comparable to organised mobility systems in leading global cities while giving customers greater confidence in LagRide’s service.
Safety, technology get boost
LagRide said the expansion would be supported by its existing safety and technology infrastructure, including vehicle insurance, dashboard cameras and panic buttons integrated into its digital platform.
The company stressed that increasing the size of its fleet would not be enough, noting that customer experience, Captain professionalism, vehicle maintenance and technology would remain key priorities.
Some of the newly inducted Captains welcomed the opportunities offered by the programme.
Deborah Adeyemi, who has about three years’ driving experience, said LagRide would enable her to earn an income while retaining flexibility over her working hours.
Another beneficiary, Mustapha Kayode Abdullahi, said his immediate goal was to earn a sustainable income and eventually own a vehicle through the Drive-to-Own scheme.
With 400 new vehicles being deployed, more than 2,000 already on Lagos roads and over 1,000 additional Captains targeted before December, LagRide said it was significantly expanding its capacity ahead of the expected Ember Rush.
The company said further vehicle and Captain deployments would continue in phases as it prepares to meet increased transportation demand across Lagos in the final months of 2026.
