Fuel Subsidy: NAIRAXI unveils tech solutions for mass transit operators

By Godson Ikpontu

In a bid to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy, a tech-driven mobility company, NAIRAXI and it partners Firstplus have unveiled a digital system to support mass transportation in FCT. It has maintained that the private sector driven approach to digitalise mass transit systems is vital in cushioning the sufferings and challenges of transportation within Nigeria.

Firstplus and Nairaxi are currently in talks with FCT regarding how they can assist in equipping most of their buses. Talks are ongoing to introduce the required digital technology to maintain sustainable operations and maximum return on government investment in transportation.

This initiative will also leverage technology to improve routing plan that will minimize congestion and improve the overall efficiency of the public transport system in Nigeria. He explained that the progress of the initiative can be tracked with key performance indicators.

In a speech by the Chairman of Firstplus, Alhaji Yusuf Aliyu Umar described the ongoing plans to work with FCT administration. The plan will help to alleviate and soften the impacts of the fuel subsidy on Nigerians. He explained that the mass transit scheme will be truly beneficial to Nigerians and will change the transportation landscape.

Still reacting to the prospective innovation, he noted that Standardized mass transit scheme in Nigeria will translate into lesser vehicles on the road which means less fossil fuel pollution and a means to combat climate change.

Addressing journalists few days ago, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nairaxi, Kingsley Eze, said the initiative would enhance accessibility to affordable transport services. This service will be provided for all societal segments, especially low income earners.

This is coming few weeks after Nairaxi in collaboration with Kano Metropolitan Transport Company kicked-off the digitization of mass mobility across major routes in Kano City.

He maintained that the initiative provides a sustainable platform through which mass Transportation can be effectively subsidized by governments and yet create huge revenue. The Automated Fare Collection system of NAIRAXI allows the convenient use of contactless smart cards as cashless payment instruments in public transportation modes.

According to him, NAIRAXI is partnering with other road transport Operators, alongside state governments to introduce technology into our mass transit systems. It has adopted technology to ensure effective payment systems, proper accessibility, ease of payment, automated fare collection, security and monitoring for sustainable management.

Speaking further, he stated that these initiatives will curb the corruption and fraudulent activities in fare collection through implementation of the Auto -fare collection system (AFCS) and user smart card (USC) as they are designed to track transaction and payment history.

Recall that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR since assumption of office three weeks ago Introduced policies like fuel subsidy removal, unification of exchange rates and other pro-market development policies that have huge potentials to make our country an investment destination.

While speaking on the benefits of the Initiatives, NAIRAXI boss explained that it would provide customized electronic transit cards and subsidise mass transportation on behalf of the government to ameliorate the harsh economic conditions experienced by the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

He emphasized on the need that has been found in the market and the removal of subsidy that has created the need to provide palliatives that will cushion the effects established by the private sector which will ensure progress in the country.

Also speaking during the conference, the Co-founder and COO Elizabeth Omale stated that the initiative will revolutionalise the transport sector in Nigeria and help reduce the harsh conditions created by fuel subsidy removal.

According to Elizabeth, NAIRAXI is a home grown indigenous app that has come to make a difference in the transport sector. She explained that there is a lot to be tapped out from the transport sector.