Nigeria’s leading tech-powered mobility company, Nairaxi, has backed the call by World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for governments to prioritise policies that protect vulnerable populations from economic shocks.
In a statement on Tuesday, Nairaxi’s Co-Founder and CEO, Kingsley Eze, said social safety nets should be expanded to include technology-driven transit subsidies to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister, has consistently stressed the need for stronger protection for the poor amid inflation and ongoing economic reforms.
Speaking on Arise News Business Week in Abuja, Eze described transit subsidies as a “low-hanging fruit” capable of offering immediate relief to millions of Nigerians.
“With inflation at record highs and transport costs biting hard, digitised transit subsidies should not remain an idea on paper,” he said.
According to him, transport consumes up to 40 percent of daily earnings for low- and middle-income families, restricting access to jobs, education, and healthcare. He argued that while food and energy subsidies dominate policy debates, affordable transport is just as critical for reducing poverty.
Eze criticised Nigeria’s traditional subsidy schemes, which he said are plagued by inefficiency and corruption, with billions of naira failing to reach those in need. To solve this, he proposed digital platforms such as smart cards, mobile wallets, and e-ticketing systems to deliver subsidies directly to commuters.
“Technology gives us visibility and accountability. Every naira spent can be traced to an actual commuter, making the subsidy system efficient and trusted,” he said.
The Nairaxi boss pointed to success stories in Brazil, India, and Kenya, where digital infrastructure has enabled governments to deliver subsidies more effectively and reduce leakages.
He called for stronger collaboration between government and private operators, stressing the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in scaling such systems.
“While government provides policy and financing, companies like Nairaxi can supply the technology, fleet management, and operational expertise required,” Eze said.
Beyond lowering costs, Nairaxi insists affordable, reliable transport enhances productivity, boosts school attendance, and frees up household income for food, healthcare, and other essentials.
“Technology-enabled subsidies are not only about reducing transport costs. They are about restoring dignity, expanding opportunity, and giving struggling Nigerians a fair chance to participate in the economy,” Eze concluded.
