When most people think of Lagos, one word immediately comes to mind: traffic. The endless queues, overcrowded bus stops, and long waits under the scorching sun define the daily grind for millions of professionals. For many 9-to-5 workers, commuting isn’t just exhausting, it’s one of the most frustrating parts of life in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
For Friday Ojonimi, however, this challenge became the spark that ignited a bold idea.
The Beginning of a Vision
Born in Kogi State, Friday studied Computer Science at the Federal Polytechnic, Idah. Like many young graduates, he moved to Lagos in search of opportunity, determined to carve out his career in a city that never sleeps. Amid the chaos of Lagos commuting, he noticed something curious: while countless professionals waited hours for taxis, private car owners often drove past with empty seats.
That single observation planted the seed for Sharetrip, a community-driven ride-sharing platform that reimagines mobility within Nigerian cities.
The Birth of Sharetrip
In 2022, while working on the Island, Friday repeatedly witnessed the same scene: stressed professionals stranded at bus stops, while cars sped by, half empty. He asked himself a simple yet powerful question:
“What if we could connect these car owners with the people going in the same direction?”
The answer became Sharetrip, a platform designed to:
- Make commuting easier, safer, and more comfortable for professionals.
- Help drivers offset rising fuel costs by sharing rides.
- Reduce carbon emissions through carpooling.
- Foster networking and community among 9-to-5 workers.
On December 29, 2024, Sharetrip officially launched. What started as one man’s frustration is now evolving into a movement aimed at transforming daily mobility in Nigeria.
A Community-First Approach
Friday isn’t just building another tech startup; he’s building a community. Unlike traditional ride-hailing platforms, Sharetrip is non-commercial at its core, built on fairness, capped pricing, and trust among users. His vision is ambitious: to make Sharetrip a household name and eventually see every taxi in Nigeria operate under its umbrella.
But he isn’t stopping there. The long-term roadmap includes expanding into logistics, interstate transport, and even flight bookings, turning Sharetrip into a comprehensive mobility solution for Nigerians.
The Founder’s Resilience
Like most Nigerian entrepreneurs, Friday’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. From delays in Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration to the challenge of building an MVP app with scarce resources, he has faced the realities of starting small. Yet, his persistence is striking.
Even without a fleet of cars, Friday has forged partnerships with drivers, car dealers, and university campuses to grow the Sharetrip ecosystem. For him, entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit; it’s about solving real problems, creating opportunities, and helping people move forward together.
Why Sharetrip Matters Now
With fuel prices climbing, transportation costs skyrocketing, and commuting becoming increasingly stressful, Sharetrip arrives at exactly the right moment. It offers a sustainable, community-driven alternative that saves money, reduces stress, and brings people closer together.
Friday’s story is proof that some of the most impactful businesses are born not in boardrooms, but in the everyday struggles of ordinary people. From crowded bus stops to the highways of Lagos, he is transforming frustration into innovation.
