By Chioma Okoye

In a nation where citizens turn to Twitter rather than emergency services when disaster strikes, a rising startup proves that technology can secure the safety of millions of Nigerians. Alarrt, a recently launched safety tech startup developed by Olumide Shode, is redefining how Nigerians share emergency information and access emergency assistance at home and on roadways from their smartphones. “Alarrt is redefining what safety looks like in Nigeria. From sending early warnings about dangers ahead, and connecting citizens to fast help if an emergency happens, Alarrt is turning smartphones into personal safety guardians,” says Shode.

Nigeria’s high levels of insecurity and slow emergency response have been a long-standing problem. Seeing this gap, Olumide Shode created Alarrt to tackle one of the country’s most pressing challenges. This bold step has made her one of the leading innovator in Nigeria’s safetytech industry and digital innovation. Road travel, a lifeline for millions, has become particularly treacherous, with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) noting that over 40% of road accidents in 2023 were exacerbated by insecurity-related factors such as ambushes and blockades. The situation is no less dire in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub. The Lagos State Government reported a 15% rise in emergency incidents linked to insecurity between 2022 and 2024, including robberies and traffic disruptions caused by unrest. For ordinary Nigerians, these statistics translate into a daily reality of helplessness and the constant need to adapt and “stay woke” in an unpredictable environment.

At the heart of Alarrt’s mission is a simple yet powerful idea: knowledge is safety. Under Shode’s leadership, Alarrt has been designed from an idea to a fully deployed application that keeps Nigerians informed in real time, offering a proactive shield against the chaos of unexpected road insecurities. The platform serves as a “road buddy,” notifying users of verified road disturbances, such as accidents, blockades, or criminal activity, before they encounter them. By providing alternative routes and connecting users to swift emergency assistance, Alarrt empowers Nigerians to bypass danger and save precious time.

The newly launched Alarrt app, available on both Google Play and the App Store as of October 2024, represents a significant leap forward. Dubbed Alarrt 3.0, this updated version integrates crowd-sourced information sharing (akin to Twitter), alternative routes search like Google Maps, and a reliable SOS system. Users can report incidents instantly, ensuring that others are alerted to potential threats within seconds. For instance, if a commuter spots a suspicious roadblock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, they can “Alarrt it,” triggering notifications to nearby users and emergency responders. This real-time reporting has already begun to reduce the number of commuters caught in avoidable delays or dangerous situations.

Beyond road safety, Alarrt addresses broader insecurity by connecting users to medical and automobile assistance at the click of a button. In a country where emergency response times can stretch into hours due to logistical challenges, Alarrt’s partnerships with local response services are proving transformative. The app also offers emergency and health insurance coverage, alleviating the financial burden of out-of-pocket medical costs during health crises. A critical feature given that 70% of Nigerians lack formal health insurance, according to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

A Sneak Peek Into The Visionary Behind Alarrt, Olumide Shode

The driving force behind Alarrt is Olumide Shode, a developer and entrepreneur whose personal experiences with insecurity sparked a mission to protect fellow citizens. Shode’s journey began with a harrowing incident that could have ended in tragedy. As she recounted on the Alarrt website, “My heart nearly jumped out of my body, and I sat trembling in my seat as I battled against panic kicking in … Long story short, I was able to get to work using another route.” That day, she realised that timely information could have spared her the ordeal and countless others like it.

Weeks later, the idea for Alarrt took root, fueled by a desire to ensure no one else had to face such uncertainty unprepared. Shode’s background in technology and deep understanding of Nigeria’s unique challenges have shaped Alarrt into a platform that resonates with local needs. A Lagos native, she witnessed firsthand the city’s chaotic traffic and rising crime rates, inspiring her to create a solution that blends innovation with practicality. Under her leadership, Alarrt has grown from a fledgling concept into a scalable platform, attracting hundreds of users and forging partnerships with emergency response services. Shode’s vision extends beyond the app: she aims to establish in-house emergency response utilities, including ambucycles and its rapid-response teams, to further reduce emergency response times.

Recognising that technology alone isn’t enough to drive positive change, Shode introduced free emergency training sessions via the Alarrt Foundation to equip Nigerians in urban and grassroots communities with the skills to respond to emergency crises. Launched in 2024, these sessions cover CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training, first aid training, road safety protocols, and lessons for handling home security threats. These training targets both individuals and corporations with the primary goal of fostering a culture of emergency preparedness. The Alarrt Foundation trained over 250 residents in its first four months, teaching them how to administer basic medical aid and use the app effectively. Participants report feeling more confident in providing first aid for popular health emergencies for themselves and loved ones. Combining hands-on education with its existing digital solution, Alarrt is on the move to increase emergency preparedness and build resilient communities.

While Alarrt is still in its early stages, its potential to transform Nigeria’s security landscape is undeniable. Olumide Shode and her team are actively seeking partnerships with government agencies, private firms, and international organisations to scale their impact. Though ambitious, plans for in-house emergency response services signal a commitment to addressing systemic gaps in Nigeria’s infrastructure. In a nation where insecurity claims lives and livelihoods daily, Alarrt stands as a beacon of hope and blueprint for other African countries battling with insecurity and inadequate emergency response systems. In the coming years, Shode and her team plan to scale Alarrt’s reach and impact beyond Nigeria. As Shode puts it, “If it can save a life in Nigeria, it can save much more.” With every download, every training session, and every “Alarrt” sent, we are turning your Smartphone into your helpline.