Nigerian startup DriversNG is bringing on-demand driving services to Lagos, with a focus on training and providing the best drivers to individuals, companies and organisations.
DriversNG recruits and trains drivers to meet a variety of needs, such as company car drivers, sales van drivers, truck drivers, staff bus drivers, ambulance drivers and fire truck drivers.
The startup looks to fill the gap between skilled drivers that are willing to work, and those in dire need of them. It is, to put it simply, the transportation industry’s middleman.
“DriversNG drivers are well trained, tested and highly competent, have good communication skills, are safety conscious, and do not drink and drive,” said managing director Ismail Osunlana.
“Aside from providing you with competent drivers that suit your needs, the drivers are also made to undergo periodic tests in order to ascertain both their physical and mental states of health.”
Launched in June of last year, the startup is already Nigeria’s leading chauffeur hire platform, operating in a niche of its own separate from taxi apps and ridesharing platforms. Indeed, Osunlana said DriversNG hopes to partner with companies such as these to provide drivers for them.
Initially self-funded and bootstrapped, DriversNG is now making enough money to sustain itself, and has built a large database of drivers. The startup charges a percentage of the fee paid by the client, and also sources drivers for a client at a cost.
It currently has about 200 drivers and 40 clients, and plans to expand into other states in Nigeria within the next 15 months, and other African countries over the next few years.
