Nigeria’s first tricycle taxi networking company, Matattu has boosted its operation in Lagos with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria, TOOAN.
Matattu is a technology-based tricycle operation model that allows passengers to engage the services of tricycle (Maruwa) riders using an app also called Matattu.
Speaking at the official signing of the MOU at TOOAN office in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Matattu, Engr. Samuel Ajiboyede said that the partnership between Matattu and TOOAN will bring about a seamless tricycle business operation in the state.
He said: “What we have done today is to cement a relationship between us and TOOAN. As the body responsible for the operation of tricycle business in Lagos, TOOAN has the right structure and membership. So what we are doing is leveraging their existing structure to grow our network”.
“As stakeholders with the same objective of projecting an efficient last mile transportation system in the state using a tricycle, it is important that we work together as a team. So what we have done by this MOU is to officially document and sign off on how we will work together to grow the business in the state.”
Mr. Ajiboyede further stated that Matattu will revolutionize tricycle business as it will redefine how the tricycle transportation is operated in the state.
“What we are bringing in with Matattu is efficiency, affordability, and convenience. Matattu will create more jobs and opportunities for the growing number of unemployed youths.
“For the customers, it is affordable and convenient. We are already in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC for the training of all our drivers.
“The beauty of Matattu is that it allows people to do more than one job. With our ride-sharing plan, someone can work for Matattu on part-time bases. So they can do their regular jobs and still use their spare periods to work as Matattu drivers.
“Our investment plan also gives the opportunity to people to buy any quantity of Tricycle and put them into our system. We simply manage the tricycle operation and make returns to the investor.
“The issue of security which has always been a major challenge with this business model has also been taken care of because we have a database of all drivers.”
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of TOOAN, Comrade Joseph Odusanya expressed excitement that a reputable firm has considered ‘Maruwa’ business a worthwhile venture to invest heavily on.
“We are happy with what Matattu is bringing on board. Our agreement today is to have a cordial relationship by working together to ensure efficiency in the operation of ‘Maruwa’ in the state.
Comrade Odusanya urged more people to invest in ‘Maruwa’business which he said will go a long way in reducing the unemployment rate in the country.
He also assured that there are no immediate plans by the Lagos State government to scrap Maruwa.
