…Vows to sack competitors
From Uche Usim, Abuja
Soothing news has come the way of the commuting public as a local Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company, E.F Network Limited, a subsidiary of EFGroup, has unveiled an electronic ride-hailing app called GAB Taxi.
The new product, which comes into full operations on Monday, May 15, offers drivers and passengers cheaper, secure and comfortable rides.
It is kicking off across major cities in Nigeria and would eventually spread to the 36 states and overseas.
At a pre-launch media briefing held in Abuja at the weekend, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of EFGroup, Mr Gideon Egbuchulam, said the new product was poised to unseat the existing ride-hailing services companies who have continually peppered Nigerian drivers registered under them with scathing commissions of about 30-35%, ultimately leading to higher fares for commuters.
According to him, one of the key selling points of GAB is its affordability.
He said: “The platform is on the play store and can be downloaded like other apps.
“This platform allows drivers to offer their services at a lower cost than some of the more established ride-hailing companies. Our commission is 15% as against others that are 30-35%.
“We achieved this by reducing overhead costs for the customer and offering a higher percentage split to drivers.
“Again, GAB places a strong emphasis on safety. We have implemented a number of features and policies to ensure the safety of both passengers and drivers. All GAB drivers undergo a thorough background check and are required to have a clean driving record. They are also required to have a valid driver’s license and insurance. In addition, GAB has implemented a rating system that allows passengers to rate their drivers and provide feedback on their experience. Drivers with lower ratings are removed from the platform, which helps to ensure that only safe and reliable drivers are providing rides to passengers.
“GAB has developed a mobile app with a fluid user interface that provides a seamless user experience. The app is easy to navigate, and passengers can quickly request a ride and track their driver’s progress in real- time. GAB has implemented a customer support system that is available 24/7 to help passengers with any issues or concerns.
“One unique feature of GAB is the proximity alert system. When a GAB driver is within one minute of a passenger, both the driver and the passenger receive an alert. This helps to ensure that the driver is picking up the correct passenger and that the passenger is getting into the correct vehicle. “In addition to traditional ride-hailing services, GAB also offers other services such as logistics and delivery. This allows users to request a driver to pick up a parcel for them and deliver to their specified location”, Egbuchulam explained.
On what inspired him to go into the business of e-hailing, the EFGroup Chairman said he was appalled at the poor treatment of Nigerian drivers by existing e-hailing companies owned by foreigners.
“When I saw Nigeria taxi drivers lamenting on how some of the foreign e-hailing companies were treating them as if they were insignificant or that they were doing Nigerians favours, when it was actually the other way round, I was moved.
“These foreign operators were so ridiculous that they even stopped Nigerians from using their apps if they complained, we were told. “I saw drivers in Abuja protesting, and in a few other cities. To add salt to injury, we were told that these foreign companies were collecting more than the Nigeria drivers and giving them nothing, and not even making sure that the drivers and their cars were safe. I decided to do something about it, by reducing Nigeria drivers’ sufferings and losses.
“Most of the drivers are graduates with no other jobs. The foreign taxi companies, usually from the Russian areas of the world, collect from 25 to 30% commission from each ride. We even doubt if they are paying taxes in Nigeria or paying what they ought to pay. In many areas you can’t find them, they use filling stations as offices.
“We need to treat workers with dignity. I want Nigerian employers to emulate what I’m doing for our workers. Though what I am doing is not enough, but providing transport assistance, feeding workers and staff quarters free of charge are no easy feats. Even staff living in our quarters don’t even pay for electricity, water or anything. I do these because workers deserve dignity and care.
Mr. Egbuchulam confessed that building a taxi app of world class standard was not an easy grind but he was propelled by the need to restore integrity and dignity into the e-hailing business.
“This app will be entering other countries next month and would earn the Nigeria government foreign currency that is now very scarce. Our agenda for 2024 is to enter America, Europe and Asia, he said.
He added that the company has been in existence since 1995 and is into e-commerce, internet services, lost phone locator, car trackers, safe school personal trackers, phones, security gadgets, electronics, among others.