Sometimes, the most stressful part of your day isn’t the meeting you’re rushing to or the traffic on Ozumba Mbadiwe. It’s the ride that gets you there. We asked Lagosians about their worst ride-hailing experiences they still can’t believe happened. 

“He picked up other people like a taxi” — Choice*, 24

The driver wanted to avoid traffic by taking a route I wasn’t comfortable with, but I insisted we stick to the one shown on the app. That’s when he told me I’d have to pay extra if we stayed on that route.

When I refused, he threatened to pick up other passengers. I thought he was bluffing until he actually stopped and let two strangers into the car while I was still inside. I complained the entire time, but he kept telling me to ‘do my worst’. After reporting the incident, all I got from the app was a discount on my next ride.

“The fees doubled by the time we arrived” — Bolaji*, 31

Last December, I booked a ride from the airport to the Island, and the app quoted about ₦24,000. I usually pay before the trip ends, but this time I forgot. When we got to my destination, the driver asked if I’d seen the updated fare. I checked, and it had jumped to ₦55,000.

I still don’t know how it happened. I definitely didn’t have that kind of money on me, so I had to start calling family members to help me pay. I tried reporting it through the app afterwards, but nothing meaningful came out of it. It honestly felt like a scam.

“He re-routed so the price increased” — James*, 29

I was in a hurry and booked a ride to a route I know like the back of my hand. But instead of following the road I kept pointing out, the driver kept taking random turns. Every time I questioned him, he’d insist he knew a better route.

Then he suddenly drove far off the route and pulled into a filling station. When I asked what was going on, he said his tank was almost empty and this was the closest place to buy fuel. By the time we got back on the road, the fare had jumped from about ₦3,000 to ₦8,000. I refused to pay the extra amount because none of it was my fault, but he started insulting me and causing a scene. I eventually paid because I just wanted to leave. I got to my destination late and frustrated.

“I was abandoned at a deserted area” — Mary*, 24

Earlier this year, I booked a ride without any issues because I was happy with the fare the app showed. We hadn’t even covered a quarter of the journey when the driver suddenly said I’d have to pay more than the quoted price.

I told him I only had enough to pay what the app showed, but he got angry, then pulled over and threatened to drop me by the side of the road if I didn’t agree. Before I could even process what was happening, he drove off and left me in a deserted area. I had to walk a long distance before I finally found a taxi. It was a terrifying experience.

“The driver threw a stone at me” — Ayo*, 19

Everything was fine until we got close to my destination. The driver suddenly said he wouldn’t drive down my street because the road was bad. I told him I shouldn’t have to pay the full fare if he wasn’t completing the trip.

I transferred the money minus ₦1,000 because I’d now have to walk the rest of the way. He completely lost it. As I walked away, he kept insulting me and even threw a stone that hit my back and injured me.

If there’s one thing these stories prove, it’s that Lagos commuters aren’t asking for too much. They just want rides that are comfortable and drama-free. That’s exactly what VOLTAA is building.

VOLTAA is a premium, zero-emission, all-electric mobility ecosystem designed around the everyday frustrations Lagosians know too well. An all-electric fleet means no unexpected fuel stops halfway through your trip, while trained, professional drivers help ensure every ride starts and ends smoothly.

Ready to experience a different kind of commute? Download the VOLTAA app on the App Store or Google Play to join the early access waitlist and receive a welcome discount code.