To celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, ride-hailing firm Simplaa Nigeria will officially launch operations in Port Harcourt on October 1, offering ₦5,000 ride credits to 100 residents under its “Ride Independence” initiative.
Mr. Isidore Ubajiekwe, Head of Business Development and Strategy at Simplaa Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
Simplaa, a global mobility company headquartered in the United Kingdom, is entering Nigeria through its subsidiary, Simplaa One Technology. The Port Harcourt launch will serve as the company’s first operational base in the country, mirroring its UK operations.
“To mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, we are giving Port Harcourt residents a reason to celebrate ‘ride independence.’
The first 100 riders booking Simplaa on Oct. 1 will enjoy ₦5,000 Independence Day Ride Credit for free,” Ubajiekwe said.
He explained that every new user who downloads the Simplaa App in Nigeria will also receive ₦2,750 in trial credit to experience the platform.
Ubajiekwe noted that Nigeria’s ride-hailing market has long been dominated by a few major players, leaving riders with limited choices and flexibility.
“Simplaa believes independence means freedom — freedom to choose better service, improved safety, and more competitive pricing,” he said, stressing that the app and service model were tailored to Nigerian riders, not merely imported.
According to him, Simplaa offers transparent pricing with upfront fares, multiple payment options including Simplaa Pay Account (SPA), bank transfer, card, or cash. Other features include verified drivers, in-app SOS alerts, real-time tracking, choice of vehicles, 24/7 support, and loyalty credits.
On the Independence Day credits, Ubajiekwe explained: “Register and automatically receive ₦2,750 free trial credit plus an extra ₦5,000 Independence Day Credit. On Oct. 1, book a Port Harcourt ride using your SPA balance (₦2,750 + ₦5,000) to pay.
“Only the first 100 riders booking on Independence Day will be authorised to use the credit. Unused Independence Day credits expire at midnight on Oct. 1, but the ₦2,750 trial credit remains.”
He further emphasised that the company’s launch was not just about technology but about creating value and empowering people.
“We are investing in Nigerian drivers and internal operations, training to international standards, and creating sustainable income opportunities,” he said.
Ubajiekwe added that Simplaa will soon roll out airport logistics and executive transfers, enabling seamless travel between airports, cities, and premium destinations across Nigeria.
“After months of planning, infrastructure building, driver training, and payment integration, we are proud to launch in Port Harcourt, a city of energy and hospitality,” he said, noting that expansions into Lagos and Abuja are already planned.
