We’ve launched Logistics; Food deliveries will be within the month – Fahim Saleh, Gokada CEO

Barely a month after the ban of commercial bikes and tricycles in Lagos Nigeria, one of the affected bike-hailing companies announced that it has already started its Logistics business.

Just yesterday, a twitter user @Mr_Rotimi tweeted that Gokada had come out with a new product called “Chop” to offer food delivery service to food merchants.

However when contacted, Gokada CEO clarified the company’s position saying that the bike hailing startup had started its logistics, but that it would be starting the food delivery service within a month.

According to Techcabal, an anonymous source confirmed that the company had started food deliveries and was working with Jumia to pilot the service.

“It’s a test run,” the source said. “There won’t be an official comment until both companies are certain that this is what it is,” the source added.

Referring to the branding of the dispatch bag, Mr Saleh said it was done that way because it appeals more to the consumer.

“Chop is the name for our food service but the bags will be used for deliveries as well. Food is more consumer-facing, so we decided that should be the front-facing brand on the bikes.”

After the ban, Gokada and the other affected companies carried out peaceful protests against the ban but the Lagos state government did not change its mind. The ban prompted Gokada to lay off over 80% of its employees.

It is hoped that the other bike hailing companies will follow suit and pivot to other related businesses soon so as to salvage its investments