LagRide gears up for ember rush with 400 new vehicles on expansion scheme

LagRide has stepped up preparations for the 2026 ember rush by deploying 400 new vehicles across its Lagos network and targeting mobilisation of over 1,000 additional Captains to expand its capacity between now and December.

This was stated at the LagRide 2026 Driver Mobilisation and Fleet Flag-Off, held at the LagRide Centre in Alausa, Lagos, where more than 100 Captains drove out in newly deployed vehicles, marking the first major deployment under the expansion programme.

LagRide stated that the rollout will continue in phases, with more Captains joining the platform, increasing availability across Lagos ahead of the Ember Months and Detty December.

The mobility platform expects to facilitate more than 200,000 rides during its Ember Months push, as business activity, tourism, entertainment, airport traffic, events and the city’s end-of-year social calendar drive increased movement across Lagos.

Read also: Lagride advances Drive-To-Own scheme, hands over vehicles to new captains

Speaking at the event, Mildred Ekanem, executive director of LagRide Nigeria, said the mass deployment builds on an already significant operational footprint, with over 2,000 LagRide vehicles currently on the road across Lagos.

“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.

“The Ember Months bring increased movement across Lagos, and we are preparing ahead of that demand, focusing on expanded availability and wider coverage,” Ekanem said.

The company further disclosed expansion into communities including FESTAC, Ikorodu and Ajah, while increasing the number of Captains operating across existing locations to improve ride availability and reduce waiting times.

“From September to December, LagRide will roll out a series of customer promotions, discounted rides, rewards, special offers and other benefits across the platform, with additional campaigns planned around major events and the Detty December season,” the company stated.

The company noted that by December, the campaign will transition fully into LagRide Detty December, with increased Captain availability and customer promotions designed around the significant rise in movement, entertainment and tourism across Lagos.

Chief Diana Chen, chairman of LagRide, said the expansion forms part of a wider ambition to strengthen LagRide’s role in the transportation and tourism experience of Lagos.

Chen said that the increasing number of vehicles being introduced into the ecosystem is intended to create greater availability for customers while opening opportunities for serious, professional Captains to earn and build sustainable livelihoods.

“LagRide is the face of transportation and tourism in Lagos. As the city welcomes residents, visitors, tourists, and returning Nigerians, transportation must be ready to match the scale and energy of Lagos.

“We are building that capacity and making thousands of vehicles available for serious, professional Captains who are ready to work. At the same time, we want more people to use LagRide and experience a service that represents Lagos with professionalism and pride,” she said.

Ekanem said the company’s 24-hour customer service centre would continue to provide round-the-clock assistance, handling complaints, enquiries and issues including property left behind in vehicles.

Drive-to-Own expansion

The mobility platform added that mass deployment will also increase participation in LagRide’s Drive-to-Own programme, providing more Captains with access to vehicles and a structured pathway towards eventual vehicle ownership.

Under the programme, Captains undergo an initial 90-day rental period before qualifying to transition towards vehicle ownership, subject to meeting the required performance conditions.

Ifeanyi Abraham, director of public relations of LagRide, urged the newly deployed Captains to approach their roles with professionalism, honesty, hard work and a strong sense of pride in representing LagRide.

Abraham said Lagos’ position as one of Africa’s leading business, entertainment and tourism destinations makes reliable and readily available transportation particularly important as the city enters its busiest months.

He said LagRide wants its Captains to develop the same strong sense of professional identity associated with organised mobility systems in leading global cities, while giving customers greater confidence in the quality and reliability of the service.

LagRide said the expansion would be supported by its existing technology and safety infrastructure, including vehicle insurance, dashboard cameras and panic buttons integrated into its digital platform.

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