Kon'nichiwa,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here's what I've got for you today:
- Bolt and Uber drivers in Nigeria want an extra ₦2000
- Avoiding black tax in a Nigerian home
- FNB Connect levels up in the telecom space
₦2000 changes everything
So, Uber and Bolt drivers in Lagos are at it again, adding another request to their growing list of demands. This time, they’re pushing for a ₦2,000 ride cancellation fee. Now, hold on — ₦2,000? That’s a little over $1 in today’s exchange rate, but considering how fares usually go, that’s a lot for a cancelled ride! It sounds crazy at first, but let’s break this down.
The backstory: In October, these drivers raised issues with the apps, complaining about the driver rating system (which many think is unfair) and pushing for better pay. No surprises there. Inflation, rising fuel costs (thanks to the removal of subsidies), and higher vehicle maintenance fees are making life tough for drivers. So, fair enough.
But now, they’re saying cancellations are another thorn in their side. Apparently, some riders make orders across multiple apps, only to cancel when a driver shows up. Imagine driving across Lagos traffic, wasting fuel, and losing precious time, only to find your rider has ghosted you. Frustrating, right?
But hold up. Let’s not pretend drivers are angels either. Haven’t we all had drivers cancel our rides out of nowhere? Or that classic scenario where you wait 15 minutes for pickup, and then the driver calls asking you to cancel? (This literally happened to me last week. After waiting endlessly, the driver casually said, "Please cancel." The nerve!)
The ₦2,000 fix: The drivers argue this hefty fee will make passengers think twice before cancelling. And they’ve got a point. With rising costs, some extra compensation could help offset losses. But doesn’t this open the door for abuse on both sides? What’s stopping drivers from conveniently delaying pickups, hoping to rake in some quick cancellation cash? Exactly.
Finding balance: Uber and Bolt haven’t said anything official yet, but they’re caught between a rock and a hard place. A ₦2,000 fee might seem fair to drivers, but passengers (like us) are already wary of the platforms. Adding hefty fees might tip the scales in the wrong direction.
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Until then, Lagosians can expect more drama and demands as drivers fight for better working conditions in this rollercoaster of an economy. But hey, if this fee becomes a thing, maybe it’s time to brush up on danfo routes. Just saying.
Avoiding black tax in a Nigerian home
Let’s talk about moving out. It’s exciting, sure — but also overwhelming, especially when you’re supporting your family. Personally, moving out has made me question so many life choices. Bills keep piling up, and I often wonder, was this the right call? But hey, who am I to complain?
Take George*, for example. He’s a software engineer in his late thirties, working remotely for an international company. Despite earning well, he still lives with his parents. Why? Simple — there’s no pressure to leave, and the arrangement works for him.
Here’s the catch: George isn’t just living with his parents for free. He supports them financially and sponsors two of his siblings through school. That’s a lot on his plate, but staying at home helps him manage these responsibilities.
If he moved out, it’d mean paying rent, utility bills, groceries, and everything else — all while still helping his family financially. By living at home, George’s parents handle the household logistics, like cooking and cleaning. It’s a trade-off that saves him time, energy, and money.
For George, staying home isn’t about avoiding responsibility — it’s about finding balance. He avoids the full weight of black tax by keeping his living expenses low while still supporting his family.
It’s not for everyone, but if you’re stuck between moving out and staying home, it’s worth considering what works best for your unique situation.
Want the full scoop? Dive into Oluwanifemi’s latest Work Life edition.
FNB Connect levels up in the telecom space
FNB Connect, the mobile network branch of South Africa’s First National Bank (FNB), is levelling up in the telecom space.
Here’s a quick rundown of what they’ve got cooking: Right now, FNB Connect offers a basic fixed-wireless home internet service. But, according to CEO Sashin Sookroo, they’re looking to dive deeper into fibre services. The company is chatting with fibre infrastructure providers to roll out better Internet solutions for customers.
Why fibre? “There’s a massive demand for it,” Sookroo says, adding that their fixed-wireless options are already popular. This move could mean faster, more reliable Internet with wider coverage, giving users a better experience.
There’s more. If you’re tired of swapping SIM cards, FNB Connect has you covered. Their eSIM tech is now live, letting you connect to multiple networks without needing a physical SIM card. Plus, porting your number or signing up for a plan is a breeze—less than three minutes from start to finish!
And they’re throwing in a juicy perk: new eSIM customers get 100GB of free data each month for six months.
Since its launch in 2015, FNB Connect has grown fast. By mid-2024, they had 958,000 active SIMs, closing in on the 1-million mark. Data use is skyrocketing too, with a 31% increase over the past year, hitting 12 million GB.
They’ve also boosted their coverage by teaming up with MTN in 2023, adding to their existing partnership with Cell C.
The bigger picture: FNB Connect isn’t just about SIMs and data — it’s making bank. In the past year, it pulled in R18.6 billion from airtime, data, and even Lotto and electricity sales. With more people adopting eSIMs and new fibre plans on the way, the company’s setting its sights even higher.
Whether you’re already with FNB Connect or thinking of switching, they’re clearly stepping up their game with better deals, tech upgrades, and a focus on convenience.
In case you missed them
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What I'm watching
- Every Argument for God (and how to challenge them)
- What Happens When AI Goes Wrong?
Opportunities
- Condia is looking for Sales and Partnership Associate. Apply here.
- Looking for jobs on X? Apply here.
- Pitch your big idea at the Entertainment Week Lagos Deal Room, happening from December 11–15, 2024, at Livespot Entertarium, Ikate, Lagos. Apply here.
- Join Opeyemi Olugbemiro at Pitch Friday on December 13, 2024, and discover the art of storytelling that wins customers. Apply here.
- Flutterwave is currently looking to fill several vacancies. Apply here.
- Moniepoint is hiring for several roles. Apply here.
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Have a productive week!
Victoria Fakiya for Techpoint Africa.
