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Gokada Explained: How It Works
Gokada has become a prominent player in Nigeria's transportation and logistics sector, evolving significantly since its inception in 2017. Initially launched as a ride-hailing service for motorcycles, Gokada's business model has adapted to meet changing market demands and regulatory environments.
Origin and Evolution
Gokada started in Lagos, offering an on-demand motorcycle taxi service aimed at alleviating the city’s notorious traffic congestion. The service quickly gained popularity for its efficiency, safety measures, and the convenience it brought to commuters. However, following the ban on motorcycle taxis (okadas) in Lagos in 2020, Gokada pivoted to focus on logistics and delivery services, leveraging its existing infrastructure and rider network to transition smoothly into this new domain.
Current Operations
Today, Gokada operates primarily as a last-mile delivery service, catering to the burgeoning needs of e-commerce and food delivery sectors. The company’s operations include transporting packages, groceries, and food items across Lagos, with plans to expand to other Nigerian cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
How Gokada Works
1. Setting Up
To use Gokada, customers need to download the Gokada app available on both Android and iOS platforms. After creating an account, users can request services by entering their pickup location and selecting the type of delivery or ride they need.
2. Requesting Services
Users can choose between various services such as food delivery, parcel delivery, and ride-hailing. Once a service is requested, a nearby rider is dispatched to the user’s location. The rider contacts the user to confirm details and proceeds to complete the task, ensuring timely and efficient service.
3. Safety and Reliability
Gokada places a strong emphasis on safety and reliability. Riders, known as G-pilots, undergo rigorous training at the Gokada Driver Training School, ensuring they adhere to high standards of professionalism and road safety. Each rider is equipped with a smartphone that uses the Gokada app for navigation and customer interactions. Additionally, Gokada provides helmets for both riders and passengers, along with disposable hairnets for hygiene.
Technological Integration
Gokada has developed a Super App, integrating multiple services into one platform. This app not only facilitates ride-hailing and deliveries but also offers a seamless user experience for managing orders, tracking deliveries in real-time, and making payments. The app’s features include route optimization to reduce delivery times and costs, and API integration for businesses to manage large volumes of deliveries efficiently.
Market Impact and Future Plans
Since its pivot, Gokada has achieved significant milestones, including surpassing $100 million in annual transaction value and completing over one million deliveries for more than 30,000 merchants. The company’s success is driven by the growing demand for reliable last-mile delivery solutions in Nigeria’s e-commerce market, which is projected to grow substantially in the coming years.
Expansion and Employment
Gokada’s expansion plans are ambitious. The company aims to extend its services beyond Lagos to other major Nigerian cities, thereby increasing its market reach and creating thousands of jobs. This expansion is supported by recent regulatory approvals, such as the NIPOST license, which allows Gokada to operate courier services across Nigeria.
Conclusion
Gokada has effectively transformed from a ride-hailing service to a comprehensive logistics and delivery platform, addressing critical transportation challenges in Nigeria. By leveraging technology and focusing on safety and efficiency, Gokada continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s logistics ecosystem, with promising growth prospects on the horizon.
For more detailed information on Gokada’s services and updates, you can visit their official website or download their app from your preferred app store.
