Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, long dominated by foreign companies, is witnessing the rise of a bold new challenger—M-Ride, an indigenous platform positioning itself as more than just another transport app.
Founded by Gregory Muna Peter Onojasike, M-Ride represents a broader movement in Nigeria’s tech space: the determination to build solutions rooted in local realities rather than imported models.
From Imported Apps to Local Innovation
For years, Nigerian commuters have relied on global names like Uber and Bolt, but many riders and drivers share the same frustrations—commission-heavy pricing, inconsistent safety features, and surge algorithms that often feel unfair.
M-Ride seeks to turn this narrative on its head. Its subscription-based model allows drivers to keep all their earnings, while a fare negotiation feature gives riders and drivers more flexibility. Combined with an in-app dashcam for safety, the platform is intentionally designed to reflect Nigerian priorities: affordability, trust, and security.
A Founder With Maritime Roots
Interestingly, M-Ride’s founder didn’t emerge from Silicon Valley or Yaba’s coding clusters. Trained in nautical science and seasoned in the maritime sector, Onojasike redirected his discipline and passion for technology toward building something new.
“Tech is the future, but it has to speak to our context,” he said. “We can’t just import systems that don’t solve our unique problems.”
Beyond Transport: A Symbol of Digital Sovereignty
What makes M-Ride stand out isn’t just its features—it’s the statement it makes about digital sovereignty. By creating a Nigerian-built alternative in an industry shaped by foreign companies, M-Ride embodies the push for Africans to design their own tools, own their data, and set their own rules.
Industry watchers say this shift could ripple across sectors, inspiring more startups to challenge imported systems with homegrown innovation.
The Road Ahead
Onojasike and his team envision M-Ride scaling nationwide and eventually across Africa. But he also stresses the need for infrastructure, road safety, and regulation to keep pace with technological advances like self-driving cars.
“Innovation is powerful, but without the right policies and systems, it can be unsafe,” he warned.
Still, M-Ride’s launch underscores a powerful message: Nigeria is no longer just a market for global tech—it is a creator.
