{"id":168480,"date":"2023-11-29T10:55:51","date_gmt":"2023-11-29T10:55:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/?p=168480"},"modified":"2023-11-29T10:56:28","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T10:56:28","slug":"how-to-start-a-motorcycle-okada-business-in-nigeria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-a-motorcycle-okada-business-in-nigeria\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Motorcycle (Okada) Business in Nigeria","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A long-standing business in Nigeria is the use of motorcycles, or “okada.” In these difficult economic times, starting an okada business might be one of the most profitable ventures. In general, most African nations value this business, particularly Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This business is said to have started in Nigeria around 1990 and was solely utilized as a transportation alternative. With time, this developed into a sizable source of revenue for thousands of people. If you want to get into this business, the following advice can be useful. Let’s get to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview of Motorcycle Business in Nigeria<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Nigeria, okada business dates back to 1990. For a variety of reasons, including traffic, availability, and profitability, young people in Nigeria began using this vehicle as a substitute for other modes of transportation and even as a source of revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lagos had a lot of traffic because people were getting up early and racing to work. Motorcycles can fit in places where vehicles cannot because of their size. As a result, they could travel more quickly in both large cities and rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another point is availability. Nigerian roads are seldom in great condition. On the other hand, okada riders can navigate these extremely difficult terrains and deliver you to your destination on schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With careful use, the Okada business can be a gold mine, according to all of this. These cars are here to stay; people have grown accustomed to them and now prefer them to buses or cabs. I’ll explain why this company is a treasure for business owners like you as we proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last but not least, this business offers countless prospects and boundless riches. For 60,000 naira, a source purchased a reasonably used motorcycle and provided it to a driver with a weekly payment agreement of 7,000 naira until the driver made up the remaining 105,000 naira, plus a guarantor as insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Start a Motorcycle Business<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fact that you don’t need a clientele to be successful in the motorcycle transportation business is something I adore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Study your surroundings and route<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be a good idea to research the local population, traffic patterns, and desired routes. Compared to other routes, some might be more profitable. While certain routes might see more traffic, others might have a high crime rate or a lot of poorly maintained roadways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaining knowledge about the business by getting to know the Okada Riders Union and Okada Riders in your area can help you obtain important information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigate the neighbourhood and the business by asking questions. To find out how much it costs to travel on Okada along your chosen routes, you can also arrange for yourself to be driven throughout the region and routes. The key is research. You will be in a better position to make business decisions if you have accurate data and information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2. Invest in a quality motorcycle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Nigeria, there are numerous motorcycle brands. While some brands are from Asia, others are from the US and Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asian brands are the most well-liked in Nigeria since they are less expensive. Bajaj is a well-liked motorcycle brand that many Okada riders in Nigeria use. The price of a brand-new Bajaj motorcycle varies based on the specifications, from N280,000 to N340,000. Although Bajaj is an Indian brand, Okada riders love it because spare parts are readily available in the Nigerian market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is always advisable to get a brand-new motorcycle. You can ride the bike for a good amount of time without having to take it to the technician frequently to get problems corrected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If money is tight, there are still decent used motorcycles available for less than N120,000. Purchasing motorcycles for N40,000 or less is not advised because, in most cases, these absurdly priced vehicles are junk and would require daily repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals purchase used, imported motorcycles known as “Tokunbo.” Tokunbo motorcycles are available in well-known Lagos markets, like Ladipo Market. Used motorcycles from nearby nations like the Republic of Niger and Benin can also be imported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchasing a motorbike for less than N50,000 and having it repaired is an additional alternative. Nigeria boasts skilled mechanics who can restore a damaged motorcycle to almost like-new condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3. Make an accessory purchase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both you and your passenger will need to purchase helmets. Additionally, you might need to purchase boots, reflective jackets, and other items to make your job as an Okada rider easy and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4. File an Official Report with the Authorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you choose to purchase a brand-new motorcycle or Okada, you will have to obtain insurance, a license plate, a motorbike license, and police documentation in addition to registering the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obtaining a Rider’s Permit is required. You are allowed to ride a motorcycle on Nigerian public roads if you have a rider’s permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of Okada riders’ unions exist. You must sign up with one and pay the associated fees. This is necessary to prevent harassment because these unions typically deploy pushy salespeople to collect dues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might hear from certain people that you don’t have to register with the government. Not only will you be breaking the law by not registering your motorcycle with the authorities, but you will also face ongoing harassment from dishonest security guards and bribe-seeking touts. In the end, paying bribes can be more expensive than registering with the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#5. Get out of your Okada.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that you have purchased your motorcycle, you have registered it with the government. You can now start earning money by riding your Okada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is up to you to choose when you will ride your Okada. Will you ride every day during peak hours? When the traffic on the roads is reduced, will you ride? Will you go riding all day? Riding a motorcycle all day is not advised for health reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the heavy traffic, riding during peak hours can be highly profitable; nevertheless, the roads are always excessively crowded during these times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is your responsibility to follow all driving laws and guidelines. Breaking any traffic regulation might result in severe fines that could negatively impact your Okada business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#6.\u00a0Individual budgeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although it may seem improbable, some Okada riders make up to N10,000 a day. Some Okada riders in Lagos earn a staggering sum of money every day on specific routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to their bad financial planning habits, the majority of Okada riders continue to live in poverty despite the large daily revenues of the Okada business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A N5,000-a-day Okada rider might be accustomed to winning the lottery, dining at fancy restaurants, and regularly indulging in excessive alcohol consumption. Financial disasters can result from these habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting aside some of your daily income in a bank or other financial institution is a wise habit. A powerful ocean can be created from tiny water droplets. Your daily savings as an Okada rider will grow into a substantial amount that can be utilized for many purposes, such as home construction, purchasing additional motorcycles, and bond or stock investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#7. Getting your motorcycle registered with logistics firms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In order to prevent your motorcycle from being taken by men in uniform, it is imperative that you register it and get a new license plate number. Since you will be using your license plate for work, make sure you obtain a public license plate (numbers are written in red) rather than a private one (numbers are inscribed in blue). In Nigeria, a new license plate costs approximately N5,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purchase the Okada\/Motorcycle Riders’ sticker that is in use in the region in which you intend to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is imperative that you receive this as well in order to prevent any issues that may develop from the association in that particular location. Learn as much as you can about the area you want to operate in, then join the association and settle any outstanding fees they may have. You shouldn’t pay more than N1,500 for this; however, depending on the locality, it might cost less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Methods of Running a Motorcycle Business in Nigeria<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below are the various methods by which Okada and motorcycle businesses are being run in Nigeria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n