Uber Partners Sety To Roll Out “Emergency Feature” For Its Nigerian Riders

Uber, the global ride-hailing company, has taken an important step toward ensuring the safety of its Nigerian riders and drivers with the introduction of two new features in partnership with Sety. These innovative additions to the Uber app were unveiled today, Thursday, 13th of July 13th,  in Lagos, at an event where Tope Akinwumi, Uber's Country Manager in Nigeria, provided a comprehensive overview of their functionality.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the emergency button feature, a vital tool designed to enhance user safety. This feature, already available on the Uber app, allows users to seek immediate assistance in case of any untoward incidents during their rides. By simply clicking on a blue safety shield icon and selecting "Emergency Assistance" marked with a red alarm, users can initiate a call to an agent who can provide the necessary emergency services. With an impressive response time of just one to five seconds, the Uber agent promptly attends to the call, seeking further details to better understand the situation.

In addition to the emergency button, Uber has also introduced an audio-recording feature aimed at mitigating incidents during trips. Recognizing that it's not feasible to have Uber personnel on every ride, this feature empowers both riders and drivers to record their trips and report any concerns to Uber for appropriate action. Recorded trips are stored on the user's Uber account for 15 days unless a report is made for a serious incident, in which case necessary measures will be taken.

Sety, a startup specializing in on-demand safety technology and emergency response data platforms, is spearheading these new safety initiatives. Sety acts as a "digital security guard" whom users can contact in an emergency. The app provides real-time accurate location data from the point of an emergency request to a dispatch agent, according to Nnamdi Melie, Founder and CEO of Sety Company, who was present at the event with his team.

Lanre Mojola, Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, who also graced the event, expressed gratitude for Uber and Sety's collaboration. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safety in Nigerian communities, particularly for Lagosians who rely on public transportation to get around on a daily basis. Mojola praised Uber and Sety for incorporating safety features into the app, emphasizing that safety is a collective responsibility and a culture that all Lagos residents should embrace in order for the city to progress.