Mobility expert and tech entrepreneur, Oyindamola David Ogundiran, has said Nigeria does not necessarily need another ride-hailing company to replace Uber, but should instead rethink how mobility services are designed and delivered.

Ogundiran made the observation in a commentary on the future of mobility in Nigeria following Uber’s reported exit from the country after 12 years of operation.

He argued that the focus should shift from finding a replacement for Uber to developing mobility systems that reflect how Nigerians live, work and commute.

“Since Uber announced its exit from Nigeria after 12 years, one question has dominated the conversation: ‘Who will replace Uber?’ I think we’re asking the wrong question. The more important question is: What should mobility in Nigeria actually look like?” he said.

According to him, Nigeria does not have a shortage of vehicles but needs better ways of using the vehicles already on the roads.

Ogundiran noted that Nigerians had practised shared mobility long before the concept of carpooling became popular, citing the practice of colleagues sharing rides, neighbours travelling together and commuters using danfos and koropes.

“We understand shared mobility. But we haven’t really figured out how to make it comfortable, sustainable and economically viable. And I think that is where the next big opportunity lies,” he said.

He said future mobility systems should be designed around the realities of Nigerian commuters, with business models that work for drivers, affordable fares for passengers and fewer unnecessary journeys within cities.

Beyond moving from A to B

Ogundiran also highlighted what he described as the human dimension of mobility, arguing that physical proximity during transit did not necessarily translate into meaningful interaction.

“Because we have reduced mobility to one question: ‘How do I get from Point A to Point B?’ But what happens between Point A and Point B?

“We can sit beside someone for two hours in Lagos traffic and never speak to them. We can enter a danfo with 15 people and leave knowing absolutely nothing about anyone around us,” he said.

He noted that business partnerships, friendships, employment opportunities and ideas could sometimes emerge from chance encounters.

According to him, mobility systems of the future could therefore create more opportunities for human connection while improving the efficiency of transportation.

“So maybe the future of mobility isn’t just about moving people faster. Maybe it’s about moving people smarter. Using the capacity that already exists. Creating better economics for the people powering the system. Reducing unnecessary journeys. And creating more opportunities for people to connect along the way,” he said.

Ogundiran said Uber’s reported exit could provide an opportunity to rethink mobility systems in African cities.

He added that future innovation in the sector could extend beyond moving people from one location to another to improving what happens during the journey.