Lagos commuters pivot to informal transport as ride-hailing economics shift
Rising fares and fuel expenses are reshaping transport patterns in Lagos, with drivers citing unprofitable non-peak days and commuters reverting to danfo minibuses or switching platforms.
Rising fuel costs and ride-hailing fares in Lagos, Nigeria, are fundamentally altering commuter behaviour following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023. The policy shift, announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has triggered significant spikes in transportation costs, prompting residents to adopt divergent strategies ranging from platform switching to reverting to informal public transport.
Commuters are exhibiting varied responses to the economic pressure. While some, such as first-time mother Blessing Ade, continue to rely exclusively on ride-hailing apps for safety and time efficiency, others are cutting back. Ade, who cancels public bus options, notes that the convenience of having a vehicle waiting at her gate remains essential, particularly when managing childcare responsibilities.
Others are actively managing costs by switching between platforms or abandoning apps when fares surge. Pemi Aderogba, a development professional, uses Uber and inDrive for non-work trips but has abandoned one platform due to high prices. Media practitioner Saanu Olomoda has significantly reduced her usage, opting for yellow minibuses, known as danfo, when app fares become prohibitive. She also reports increased driver cancellations, forcing delays in travel plans.
Transport researcher Daniel Björkegren attributes the renewed interest in danfo buses to the extensive network structure of Lagos’ informal transport system, which serves as a viable fallback during price surges. Resident Ozioma Okafor describes a hybrid approach, combining public transport with occasional ride-hailing depending on distance and available funds.
Drivers report that the economics of the job have shifted sharply, with fuel costs often consuming the majority of earnings. Enahoro Mudi, a full-time driver, states that demand is now concentrated in peak periods between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and on weekends, with many normal days deemed unprofitable. Another driver, Seun Ola, observes that riders frequently switch apps or negotiate fares directly outside the platform during price spikes.
