Uber Business in Nigeria: Drive & Make Money in 2024

Transportation business is well known as an old, and a good source of daily income in Nigeria. Although then it is done as a taxi (kabukabu), with the advancement of technology, you can now become a driver easily by driving for uber in Nigeria.

The uber business in Nigeria is a very lucrative one to venture into. It is one of the trending jobs amongst Nigerian youths, especially students in places like Abuja, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Kano, and so on.

Becoming an uber driver is very easy, as the only skill required is driving. With good driving skills, you can make up to 300,000 Naira monthly, without much work.

That sounds like good money, but you can’t just get started without knowing more about the business. I mean the requirements to become an uber driver in Nigeria, how the business works, how you make money as an uber driver, how to register, and so on.

That’s why we’ve come up with this post to show you everything you need to know to become a successful uber driver in Nigeria. So, if you want to start making cool money working even in your free time as an uber driver, let’s get started!

What is Uber Driving?

Uber driving simply means offering a town transportation service. It is a taxi business, just that technology has transformed it into a ride-hailing.

The ride-hailing or uber business involves getting orders as a driver from passengers through a phone to take them to a specific destination for a fee. The order is usually placed through the uber website or mobile app, and payment can be made in cash or via bank through the website.

In layman’s words, as an uber driver, you’ll get contacted by someone who wants a ride, and after accepting the order and dropping them off at their destination, you’ll get paid either in cash, or a form of bank transfer to your uber account, which you can then withdraw later.

See Also: How to Start a Transportation Business and Make Up to 100K/Mo

How Much Does Uber Pay Car Owners in Nigeria?

Uber pays car owners in Nigeria 75% of the fare, while they keep the remaining 25%. That is if a passenger pays a fare of 2000 Naira per trip, you as the driver will keep 1500 Naira, and Uber will take the remaining 500 Naira.

As a car owner, you can approach the uber business in two ways. You can either be a partner or drive yourself. As a partner, you’ll only have to provide a car for a driver who will work on your behalf, and you two will split the money made at the end of the day, week, or month. 

The money can be split equally or the car owner takes 50% leaving the driver with the remaining 25% from the 75% paid by Uber. This mode of operating a uber business in Nigeria is great for those that already have a job.

While as a car owner driving by yourself, you’ll be responsible for all the work, and you alone will have the whole money made. That is, the whole 75% will be yours.

Keep in mind that the cost of fueling the car and repairs may take some of the money made. So, at the end of the day, you may be left with less than the 75% paid by uber. With that being said, you can expect to make up to 150K and move per month as an uber driver. Although it depends on how much time you put in.

Related: 20 Smart and Legit Ways to Make Money Online in Nigeria

How to Become an Uber Driver in Nigeria in 2023

Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to Start Uber business in Nigeria in 2023:

1. Get to Understand the Business

To become an uber driver in Nigeria, you first need to understand the business. Be sure there’s a market (demand) for the business in your area before getting started.

While Uber may be popular in places like Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Asaba, and other cities, you may not be successful doing it in small towns or rural areas.

2. Get a Car

After understanding the business, and knowing where you can start, the next thing is to get a car to start the business, as it is the only equipment needed. If you already have a car, you can start with it, as it is the best and fastest way to start.

However, if you don’t have a car, you’ll need to arrange for one. This can be a new, tokunbo, or a fairly used car. You can get a car in installments and pay little by little, as you make money while working.

Keep in mind that not all cars can be used for uber, so let’s see the car requirements for uber in Nigeria.

Related: How to Start a Dispatch Rider Business in Nigeria and Make 10K+ Daily

Uber Car Requirements in Nigeria

Here are the uber car requirements in Nigeria.

• The car must be manufactured in the year 2000 and above.
• The car must have 4 doors
• It must be in great aesthetic and working condition with no cosmetics damage
• It must have a working radio, air conditioning, and power windows.
• The car should be able to seat at least 4 passengers in addition to the driver.
• The car must have complete legal paperwork including vehicle insurance, a roadworthiness certificate, a valid Hackney permit, and a vehicle inspection report.

Other things to know about the uber car requirements in Nigeria include:

• No full-sized vans or trucks
• No taxi cabs, government cars, or other marked vehicles
• No salvaged or rebuilt vehicles

Uber Driver Requirements

Just like the car requirements, uber drivers are also required to have:

• Valid Nigerian driver’s license
• LASRAA card
• Valid LASDRI card (Lagos only)
• Minimum of 21 years of age
• Driver profile photo
• You must go through a safety screening and virtual info session.

3. Download the Uber App

Once you’re able to meet all the requirements above, the next thing is to download the uber app from Play store or App Store and then register an account. You can also visit the uber website to do this.

See Also: 15 Legit Money Making Apps That Pays Real Cash in Nigeria

Uber Driver Registration

The following is how to register on uber as a driver in Nigeria.

• Visit the uber website or download the app
• Click on the Register button to sign up
• Select the “Sign Up to Drive & Deliver” option.
• Fill in the required information correctly
• Once the sign-up process is completed, the next thing is to upload your documents.

4. Get Your Car Inspected

After completing all the online registrations, and uploading all the required documents, the next thing is to get your car inspected, and once it passed the inspections, you’re good to get started.

You can find uber vehicle inspection centers in many places across the country. Here’s how to complete the uber vehicle inspection.

Find a Test Centre

To ensure driver and rider safety every car must have a passed inspection report. There are a few Uber approved inspection centers across Nigeria – find one nearest to you.

Complete Your Vehicle Inspection

After finding the nearest inspection center, drive there and take your place. Make sure to be on time for your vehicle inspection to get your vehicle activated as soon as possible.

Upload the completed inspection report

Once you pass, upload the report to your account. All documents are reviewed within 24 hours. Make sure that the document is clear before you upload it.

5. Start Driving and Making Money

After creating an account, uploading all the needed types of documents, and also, getting approved to become a driver at the uber inspection centre, the next thing is to get started working.

All you just need to do is have your mobile data turned on, and you’ll start getting orders within your location. Once you accept an order and get it completed, you’ll be paid in cash, or have it credited to your uber account.

Read Also: How to Start a POS Business in Nigeria and Make up to 20K Daily

6. Maximize Your Profits

Of course, you can make money as an uber driver following the simple account creation and starting tips provided above. To be successful and make more money, you need to take it a step further. These include:

Meeting Other Uber Drivers

As a newbie, just like every other business, it is ideal to make friends and create a business rapport with other experienced uber drivers. Since they’ve been in the business for a long time, you’ll learn a lot from them in terms of running the business.

Knowing the Best Places to Stay

Although you can get orders as an uber driver regardless of your location in big cities, you need to locate ideal spots to always drive around for the most sales. Your uber friends should be able to recommend some places in your area.

However, some of the best places to always watch out for as an uber driver in Nigeria include restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, cinemas, and market square. You can also go around the suburbs, as people often book rides to city centers from these places.

Offering the Best Ride

As an uber driver, you need to ride gently and be nice to riders, even if you’re right. Some riders may be annoying, but just take it as part of the challenges of the business.

Make sure you don’t over speed and apologize for any inconvenience they may experience. This usually happens when you drive a passenger to a location with bad road conditions.

Doing all these, the rider is more likely to give you a tip, and also rate you well, which will help you get more others. The more good ratings (stars) you get, the more rides you’ll be eligible for.

Working Harder on Days with Concerts and Big Events

On days when there are concerts or big events, like a show day at the cinema, or events that bring fans to town, demands for rides are usually high. So on days like these, it is ideal to spend more time at work if you want to make more money. 

Networking

Networking will also help you succeed as an uber driver in Nigeria. Here, you’ll need to make friends with security guards at restaurants or hotels. You can ask them to call you whenever there’s a guest that needs a ride back home, and in return, they’ll get some tip.

Driving During Rush Hours

During the opening and closing hours, demand for rides is usually high, so it is ideal you be at work these times.

Best Cars for Uber in Nigeria

Are is a list of some of the cars you can use for the uber business in Nigeria.

• Acura: RDX, TL, MDX, RL, RLX
• Audi: A4, A6, A7, Q5, S6, S7, S8
• BMW: 3 series, 5 series, 7 series, X3, X4, X5, X6
• Chevrolet: Cruze, Epica,
• Chrysler: 300
• Dodge: Charger, Durango, Journey
• Ford: Focus, Fusion, Edge, Explorer, Expedition
• Geely: MK
• Honda: Accord, Crosstour, CR-V, Civic, Element
• Land Rover: LR4, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport
• Hyundai: Elantra, Accent, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tuscon, Veracruz
• Infiniti: Q50, JX, M, M35, M37, M45, M56, Q56, Q60
• Jeep: Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot
• Lexus: 570, GS 450, GS 460, LS 460, RX350, RX450
• Mercedes-Benz: E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, M-Class
• Toyota: Land Cruiser, Corolla, Camry, High Lander, etc.

Uber Business in Nigeria 2023 – FAQs

Is Uber business profitable in Nigeria?

Yes, the Uber business is profitable in Nigeria. Uber pays drivers 75% of the fare and keeps the remaining 25%. That is if get paid N2000 per ride, you’ll keep N1500. You can complete more than 20 rides daily in places like Lagos and Abuja. Which means you could make up to N30,000 or more daily.

How much can I earn on Uber Nigeria?

You can earn as much as you want on Uber. It depends on how much work you can put in. If you can complete 20 rides per day, you could make up to N30,000 daily.

Can I use my personal car for Uber?

If the car type and model are eligible, you can use your personal car for uber.

Can I drive Uber under my wife’s name?

Yes, you can drive uber under your wife’s name, as long as it is registered on uber.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a student, job seeker, fresh graduate, or even a worker, driving for uber could be a good income stream for you. Regardless of your gender, you can start the uber business in many parts of the country.

If you’re looking to start, I believe this post on how to become an uber driver in Nigeria will help you a lot.

Cheers!