Business
Festive Season: Surge in Intercity Travel as inDrive Unveils Travel Statistics

inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has unveiled its 2024 travel statistics, highlighting the most popular and cost-efficient intercity routes connecting key cities across Nigeria.
As the festive season draws near, Nigeria is witnessing a significant rise in intercity travel, with families and individuals setting out to reconnect with loved ones, immerse themselves in cultural experiences, and enjoy quick holiday escapes. Recent trends highlight the steady growth of intercity travel in the country, driven by a combination of affordable transportation options and improved connectivity.
The statistics obtained by inDrive revealed that the intercity travel route between Lagos and Ibadan remains a favorite for work and leisure. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs an average of ₦35,000 per trip.
For Lagos to Abeokuta, a route cherished by travelers for its cultural exploration and business engagement, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs an average of ₦30,000 per trip.
Similarly, for Lagos to Epe, a route that offers serene retreats, with its coastal charm and lush landscapes, the journey takes about 1.5 hours, costing an average of ₦32,000 per trip.
According to the Country Representative, Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji, the annual movement underscores not only the vitality of the festive spirit but also the importance of intercity travel in fostering regional economic activity and cultural exchange.
“As the festive season draws millions onto Nigeria’s roads, the role of intercity travel in supporting the economy becomes even clearer. Routes like Lagos to Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Epe highlight not only the geographic connectivity but also the shared cultural and economic ties that bind the nation together” Oladimeji said
For many Nigerians, the accessibility and affordability of intercity travel remain essential, enabling them to bridge distances and create lasting memories with loved ones. With platforms like inDrive offering competitive pricing and reliable services, the season’s travel boom is not only making holiday celebrations possible but also contributing significantly to the country’s economic momentum.
Business
Lagos Traffic Jam: Explore Flexible Work Arrangements, Sanwo Olu Tells Lagosians

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has urged businesses and organizations across Lagos to explore flexible work arrangements, including remote work and hybrid models, pending the complete repairs of the Independence Bridge.
During the governor’s visit to the bridge this morning, Sanwo Olu noted that a temporary shift in work culture can go a long way in reducing traffic pressure and supporting our collective well-being.
He apologised to Lagosain for the inconvinences experienced on the road yesterday noting that the decison to fix the Independence Bridge was not made overnight.
” I sincerely apologise to all Lagosians for the severe traffic congestion experienced yesterday. I understand the frustration, delays, and disruption this has caused in your daily lives. As someone who also moves through this city, I feel your pain, and we do not take your patience and resilience for granted.”
“The decision to fix the Independence Bridge was not made overnight. This repair has been in the works for over three years, carefully planned to avert a potential disaster. The structural integrity of the bridge had deteriorated, and delaying this intervention any further would have put lives at risk.”
” While this repair is necessary for the safety of all, I acknowledge the burden it has placed on commuters. We are working closely with all relevant agencies to improve traffic management, and find immediate solutions to ease the congestion.”
” I assure you that we are not just watching from the sidelines; we have deployed additional traffic monitoring officials and security personnel to ensure traffic flows freely.
I also want to urge businesses and organisations across Lagos to explore flexible work arrangements, including remote work and hybrid models. A temporary shift in work culture can go a long way in reducing traffic pressure and supporting our collective wellbeing.”
” Let us embrace innovative solutions that keep our city moving while we carry out critical infrastructure repairs. Together, we can build a more resilient, responsive, and liveable Lagos.
Lagosians, I ask for your continued patience and cooperation. Your safety remains our priority, and we are committed to ensuring that our city remains not only a hub of progress but also a place where infrastructure serves the people effectively.”
Business
PalmPay Unveils New Debit Card in Partnership with Verve, Marks Its Evolution into Full-Service Digital Banking

PalmPay, one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech platforms, today officially launched its new PalmPay Debit Card in partnership with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme.
This partnership reflects PalmPay and Verve’s shared commitment to driving financial inclusion by expanding access and delivering greater value across the digital payments ecosystem.
With over 35 million users and a network of 1.1 million agents and merchants across Nigeria, PalmPay is building one of the continent’s most dynamic fintech ecosystems. The launch of its debit card represents a key milestone in PalmPay’s transformation from a mobile wallet and agent network into a comprehensive digital financial services provider – offering integrated solutions for payments, savings, credit, insurance, and now, card access.
The PalmPay Debit Card is seamlessly integrated with the PalmPay wallet, combining the convenience of a traditional bank card with the speed and flexibility of a digital platform, and access to PalmPay’s unique financial ecosystem.
Key Features include:
Zero maintenance fees
Easy in-app application and nationwide delivery
Exclusive cashback and merchant rewards
Full wallet integration, including access to high-yield savings (up to 16% APR, paid daily)
Seamless offline and online payments across the Verve network
The card is accepted at all major payment terminals within Nigeria, offering both debit and contactless options. With this launch, PalmPay aims to redefine the everyday banking experience – making it more accessible, reliable, and rewarding.
Alongside the standard debit card, PalmPay is also rolling out PalmPay Premium, a tailored offering for high-volume users. Benefits include:
A dedicated PalmPay Premium Card
Priority customer support
Higher transaction cashbacks and savings interest rates
Exclusive merchant rewards and advanced financial tools
This premium service reinforces PalmPay’s commitment to empower users at every stage of their financial journey – from first-time account holders to high-earning professionals seeking more from their financial tools.
The PalmPay Debit Card was made possible through PalmPay’s strategic partnership with Verve, reinforcing both companies’ shared commitment to inclusive, locally relevant digital banking solutions.
“PalmPay is dedicated to using technology to broaden financial access,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria. “This collaboration enables us to offer secure, widely accepted payment cards integrated with the full power of PalmPay’s ecosystem. Together, we’re reshaping how Nigerians experience digital finance.”
Vincent Ogbunude, Managing Director of Verve International, added:
“We are proud to partner with PalmPay on this important milestone. Our alliance with PalmPay reflects our shared mission of accelerating financial inclusion and delivering payment innovation that meets the needs of African consumers.”
From zero-fee transfers and high-yield savings to instant credit, insurance, and now cards, PalmPay is building the financial infrastructure of the future – redefining digital banking to be more personalised, comprehensive and accessible to everyone.
Business
Tinubu dissolves NNPC board, replaces Kyari as GCEO with Ojulari, names Kida as new non-executive chairman

has dissolved the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, removing its chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari.
President Tinubu also set ambitious targets for the oil sector under his administration’s reforms.
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