New data from inDrive, a leading global ride-hailing platform operating in nine African countries, has shown a substantial increase in earnings for its highest-performing drivers in Nigeria. This comes as the West African nation adapts to a revised national minimum wage amidst persistently high inflation.
An internal analysis of driver activity during the first half of 2025 reveals that the top 50 inDrive drivers in Nigeria achieved an average income of N7,685,494.56 over the six-month period, translating to N1,280,915.76 per month. This represents a 39.65 per cent increase compared to earnings recorded by the same cohort in the first half of 2024. For context, Nigeria’s minimum wage was recently adjusted to N70,000 per month as of early 2025, reflecting a significant income disparity. The country’s headline inflation rate, while showing some moderation, was still around 22.22 per cent as at June 2025.
The report also dwelled on the evolving strategy among these high-earning drivers. A notable behavioural shift indicates a preference for a higher volume of shorter trips, a tactic seemingly employed to maximise efficiency and daily income. While longer journeys, including intercity and airport routes, remain a crucial income stream, particularly in established tourism hubs and high-traffic corridors, the focus on maximising output from shorter fares appears to be a key driver of the overall earnings growth.
Oladimeji Timothy, inDrive’s country representative, underscored the platform’s role in mitigating the economic challenges faced by many Nigerians. He noted that in an environment of escalating inflation and limited formal job opportunities, platforms like inDrive offer a vital alternative for thousands across the country.
Timothy attributed this impact to inDrive’s distinctive peer-to-peer pricing model and its notably low commission structure. These features, he explained, allow drivers to retain a substantial portion of their fares while maintaining control over their work schedules. “The flexibility and low commission structure of inDrive empower drivers to keep more of what they earn. At a time when many Nigerians are seeking ways to cope with inflation, fuel price hikes, and limited job opportunities, gig platforms like inDrive are helping to create sustainable, independent sources of income,” Timothy commented.
