Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) Empowers Lagosians Through LagRide Nigeria Partner Programme
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) spearheaded a new wave of economic empowerment on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, by sponsoring the first cohort of beneficiaries under the LagRide Nigeria Partner Programme.
This initiative, funded by the LSLGA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bashir Are, saw eight Lagosians from Lagos Island transition into roles as professional “Captains” on the state-backed e-mobility platform, which is operated as a public-private partnership with CIG Motors Company Limited.
The LagRide Partner Programme is designed to allow third-party organisations, foundations, or individuals to fund the selection, training, and vehicle allocation for individuals who might otherwise face significant financial barriers.
By covering both the ₦50,000 Academy training fees and the initial vehicle costs, the LSLGA has removed the two barriers that most frequently prevent qualified drivers from entering formal, structured employment. This intervention enables these eight beneficiaries to enter the “Drive To Own” scheme, where they can earn a daily income while working toward full ownership of their vehicles at the end of an agreed payment term.
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The selection process was rigorous, involving a competitive interview and assessment phase, followed by comprehensive training at the LagRide Drivers Academy. Notably, candidates from the initial intake who did not yet meet the required standard will undergo additional training to be considered for subsequent cohorts. The curriculum ensured that the new Captains are well-versed in platform operations, customer service, safety, professional conduct, vehicle maintenance, financial responsibility, and brand representation.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including LagRide Chairman Chief Diana Chen, Hon. Dr Princess Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and Mildred Ekanem, the Dean and Coordinator of the LagRide Drivers Academy. With a goal to deploy 3,500 vehicles through similar partnerships, this first cohort represents just the beginning of a larger drive to empower Lagosians and modernise the city’s transport infrastructure.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Bashir Are explained the specific motivation for the funding: “The initial capital required to be onboarded was never going to come from these young men, so we provided that intervention financially so that they can have good employment. Lagos is a mega city. My agency runs the largest gaming and fintech conference on the continent every year, and when those delegates arrive we do not want them driven around in poor vehicles. This is also employment for our own people, and we have a great deal of unemployment and underemployment in this country. These Captains are from Lagos Island Local Government, and they can now take care of their own families. Let me be clear about one thing. This is not a project. It is a programme, and it continues”.
