Ekiti State is working with MAX.NG to transform informal motorcycle and tricycle transportation (also called ‘Okada and Keke’) in the state. The state is partnering MAX.NG to deploy Metrogov, a secure urban mobility platform that uses next-generation technology to provide identity management, remote monitoring, crime prevention, digital payments, and financial audit solutions.
This stems from the fact that there are millions of informal motorcycle, tricycle, and bus operators in Nigeria. Many of them are unlicensed, have no identity data and are often used as agents for anonymous crimes.
In addition, the majority of these operators are untrained and have a penchant for disregarding traffic rules thereby exposing themselves, their customers, and other road users to preventable accidents. These pose serious security and safety concerns to the general public.
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Organising and regulating the industry is critical as transport operators provide essential transportation services to millions of Nigerians. The solution, therefore, is to address these critical safety and security concerns, while providing decent working conditions for these essential transport operators.
The Ekiti State government is desirous of tackling this security and safety challenge and has entered into a partnership with Metro Africa Xpress (MAX.NG), a leading mobility platform focused on Nigeria and West Africa.
Ekiti State is taking the lead in securing and digitizing transportation. The State has an estimated population of 3 million people and over 100,000 motorcycle and tricycle operators across the state. As part of the recently launched Ekiti State Mobility Transformation Project (ESMOT), the state aims to formalise the transportation industry while delivering safety, security, insurance, vehicle financing and other essential support services to transport operators. By deploying Metrogov, the government seeks to accelerate its transformation plan for the transport industry.
The Metrogov platform provides digital identities for drivers and a platform for vehicle registration and tracking. Motorcycle operators would also be trained and licensed. Operators registered on the platform would eventually gain access to affordable health insurance, life insurance, and vehicle financing.
