News
Uber Increases Fares by 13% in Lagos
The economy option for Uber, popularly referred to as UberX, has been increased by 13 per cent in Lagos State.
An electronic mail message from the ride-hailing firm to its drivers stated that the increment would start from May 11, 2021. Uber said the increase was to ensure a reliable earning opportunity for driver-partners.
“At Uber, we remain committed to providing a reliable earning opportunity for driver-partners, as well as a reliable and affordable service for riders. With this in mind, starting 11th May 2021, we are increasing prices on UberX by about 13 per cent,” the message read.
Earlier, Uber and Bolt drivers under the aegis of Professional E-hailing Drivers and Partners Association, declared a strike in April in Lagos, seeking an upward review of e-cab fares to reflect the current economic
They also wanted both companies to reduce the commission charged on rides from 25 per cent to 10 per cent.
Mr Idris Shonuga, National President of PEDPA, had at a news conference in Lagos, said, “Instead of fixing a new and reasonable fare in line with inflation, the companies have recklessly continued to maintain the low fare, thereby, impoverishing hard-working young Nigerians who are diligently and lawfully trying to make a decent living.”
The e-cab operators also demanded adequate welfare package for drivers and compensation to the families of those that lost their lives or are permanently disabled in the line of duty.
The association said that more than 15 drivers had lost their lives, while some had been permanently disabled in accidents in the course of the service.
It also said more than 20 others have also lost their lives through kidnapping or killed by ritualists without any compensation from the operators.
Bosun Tijani, minister for Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, has stated that the federal government is geared towards creating about one million technology jobs for teeming Nigerian youth.
Tijani stated this at the official opening of a solar-powered community ICT center built by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the 38th Lisabi festival.
The minister emphasised the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to invest in the digital economy, driving inclusive growth and empowering the country’s teeming youth population.
“The president made it very clear when I came into office, that he will spend efforts and resources in creating one million technology jobs. So, for anybody that is following the development in the world today you will see that there’s no world without technology.
“There is a strong shortage of technology workforce all over the world, and while a lot of the developed countries have ageing population, and not giving birth to kids, in Nigeria, the average age is 16.9, so our young people are being projected to be the workforce of the future, not only for Nigeria.
“This center here is one of many. In the next two months, we are launching about 30 of them all over the country. This center will be properly animated and we will put resources into ensuring that there are courses for young people to come and take here.
“We are also going to ensure that there are job opportunities that we can connect them to and if anyone wants to follow, follow the three million Technical Talent Program which we have started already in the country”, he said.
He therefore charged the youth to remain focus, and not be discouraged, adding that there is massive employment opportunities in technology as there is no enough people to work in technology all over the world.
“If you ask anyone that works in technology, the entry salary is between N350,000 to N500,000. Technology pays really well, so instead of worrying about things being hard, they should take advantage of centers like this, empower themselves and go for the opportunities the world has to offer them”, he added.
Speaking earlier, Oba Adedotun Are, Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, lauded President Tinubu for approving the centre in Abeokuta, saying that this has no doubt marked another new dawn for the people of Egbaland, given rapid growth, development, and economic empowerment of the people.
National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has predicted that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) will decline as Dangote Refinery and other local refineries commence full operations.
Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, April 1, NIPSS Director-General Ayo Omotayo expressed optimism that fuel prices would fall once more refineries become operational.
He projected that petrol prices could drop to around N750 per litre before the end of the year with a more stable exchange rate.
“We’re looking at it coming down as low as N750 before the end of the year. And of course, foreign exchange will still drop to about 1.3 before the end of the year, and it is going to continue like that as more of our refineries come into place.
Omotayo acknowledged the current economic hardships but insisted that the policy would benefit Nigerians in the long run.Traditional Nigerian cuisine
“The gains at this time are very little, but in the long run, we will make up for whatever sacrifices we have made today as Nigerians” he stated
U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that a deal for the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations is expected to be finalized before the April 5 deadline.
U.S. President Donald Trump
The deadline, set by legislation passed in January, mandates TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. assets or face a nationwide ban due to national security concerns.
Multiple non-Chinese firms have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok’s U.S. operations.
Private equity firm Blackstone is considering a minority investment, potentially joining existing non-Chinese shareholders such as Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic.
In a strategic move to facilitate the sale, Trump suggested that he might consider a reduction in tariffs on China, acknowledging that Chinese regulatory approval may be required for the deal to proceed.
The White House has been actively involved in negotiations to ensure that TikTok remains operational in the U.S. while addressing national security risks.
With TikTok’s 170 million American users watching closely, the outcome of the sale is expected to have a major impact on the social media landscape and the broader tech industry.
Africa’s Data Workers are Being Exploited by Foreign Tech Firms – Report
NIMC Says NIN Mandatory to Government Loans
Fidelity Bank Reports N385.2Bn Pre-Tax Profit for 2024
FG to Create 1m Technology Jobs – Minister
Ponzi Operators Risk 10-Year Jail Term, N20m Fine – SEC
Telecom2 days agoMTN, Lynk Global Make Africa’s First Satellite-to-Mobile Call
E-Business2 days agoSystemSpecs’s Subsidiary Deelaa Becomes Whatadeal
E-Financial2 days agoNigeria Gets Fresh $500m World Bank Loan for Economic Stimulus Programme
General News2 days agoSERAP Asks National Assembly to Drop Bill to Jail Nigerians who Fail to Vote
E-Financial2 days agoUninsured Depositors of Heritage Bank to Receive Liquidation Dividends In April – NDIC
Telecom2 days agoSmart Treasure Investment Team’s Initiatives Eradicate Poverty, Says Aminu
E-Business2 days agoCybersecurity Firm Says It’s Time to Back it Up, As the World Marks World Backup Day
Telecom2 days ago15-Year-Old Autistic Artist, Kanye, to Unveil World’s Largest Art Canvas on Autism Awareness Day