Lagos-based motorcycle-hailing startup, Gokada has reportedly been forced to lay off most of its workforce due to okada ban in Lagos state.
This is coming after the Lagos state government’s decision to ban okada and tricycles in the state from operating on major roads.
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The company reportedly laid off most of its staff two days after the announcement of the ban on the 27th of January by the Lagos state government.
Most of Gokada’s staff including its software and marketing teams, as well as riders, are believed to have been let go.
The startup which was founded by Fahim Saleh was launched in January 2018 to solve Nigeria’s largest city traffic problems.
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Since then, Gokada has gone on to raise about $5.6 million Series A round to grow its two-wheel transit business and claims to have completed more than a million rides.
Saleh, who had earlier told newsmen, that the startup will “need to transition to being the best logistics provider” was contacted for confirmation of the layoff.
He added that;
While much of your report is accurate, we still have money in the bank and are pivoting towards deliveries while this transport ban gets sorted. We were due to make a profit in January before the ban was announced.
