By Itohan Laserian
To mark Nigeria at 65, ride-hailing firm Simplaa Nigeria will launch in Port Harcourt, offering ₦5,000 ride credits to 100 residents under its ‘Ride Independence’ initiative.
Mr Isidore Ubajiekwe, Head of Business Development and Strategy at Simplaa Nigeria, announced this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
Recall that Simplaa, a global mobility company is headquartered in the United Kingdom.
Ubajiekwe said the Nigerian expansion began with its subsidiary, Simplaa One Technology, launching in Port Harcourt on Oct. 1 to mirror its UK operations.
“To mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, we are giving Port Harcourt residents a reason to celebrate ‘ride independence.’
“The first 100 riders booking Simplaa on Oct. 1 will enjoy ₦5,000 Independence Day Ride Credit for free.4
“Every new user who downloads the Simplaa App in Nigeria will automatically receive ₦2,750 trial credit to experience the difference,” Ubajiekwe added.
He noted that Nigeria’s ride-hailing market has long been dominated by a few major players, leaving riders with limited choices and flexibility.
According to him, Simplaa believes independence means freedom — freedom to choose better service, improved safety, and more competitive pricing.
Ubajiekwe stressed that the app and service model were developed around the needs of Nigerian riders, not merely as another international import.
He highlighted key benefits: transparent pricing with upfront fares, multiple payment options including Simplaa Pay Account (SPA), bank transfer, card, or cash.
Other features include verified drivers, in-app SOS alerts, real-time tracking, choice of vehicles, 24/7 support, and loyalty credits.
He explained that Independence Day ride credits could be claimed after registration on the app.
“Register and automatically receive ₦2,750 free trial credit plus an extra ₦5,000 Independence Day Credit.
“On Oct. 1, book a Port Harcourt ride using your SPA balance (₦2,750 + ₦5,000) to pay.
“Only the first 100 riders booking on Independence Day will be authorised to use the credit.
“Unused Independence Day credits expire at midnight on Oct. 1, but the ₦2,750 trial credit remains,” he said.
Ubajiekwe emphasised that the initiative extends beyond technology, focusing on value and investment in Nigerian people.
“We are investing in Nigerian drivers and internal operations, training to international standards, and creating sustainable income opportunities,” he stated.
He added that Simplaa will also introduce airport logistics and executive transfers, ensuring riders soon become prominent nationwide.
“Riders should travel seamlessly between airports, cities, and premium destinations across Nigeria.
“After months of planning, infrastructure building, driver training, and payment integration, we are proud to launch in Port Harcourt, a city of energy and hospitality,” Ubajiekwe said.
He revealed that Simplaa plans to expand into Lagos and Abuja in the coming months.
