Nigeria’s automotive landscape is predominantly made up of used vehicles, locally referred to as Tokunbo. With over 12 million vehicles on the roads, a staggering 90% of these are second-hand. This reliance on used vehicles brings with it a unique set of challenges for car owners, such as locating reliable mechanics, grappling with high repair costs, limited knowledge of proper vehicle maintenance, and dealing with inefficient repair processes.
Enter Flickwheel, a dynamic startup that has been making waves in the vehicle maintenance sector in Nigeria. Founded three years ago, Flickwheel has set its sights on transforming the way Nigerians maintain their cars. The journey of this innovative company began in 2019, sparked by a personal experience of its founder, Paul Edward. After lending money to a friend for car repairs, Edward realized the potential for a business that could address the prevalent issues in vehicle maintenance.
Initially, Edward managed this fledgling idea using a simple Excel sheet, organizing and tracking car repair needs and expenses. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected pause to his plans. This period of reflection and planning led Edward to envision a more scalable solution – a mobile app that could revolutionize vehicle maintenance.
Determined to bring his vision to life, Edward assembled a team of skilled professionals including Henry Okafor and Steve Amire, both of whom brought valuable startup experience to the table. Together, they worked tirelessly to develop an app that could streamline the process of finding reliable mechanics, reduce repair costs, and educate car owners about proper maintenance practices.
When Flickwheel’s app finally launched, it received an overwhelming response. On the first day alone, the app garnered 200 sign-ups, highlighting the significant demand for such a service. This initial success was a testament to the pressing need for an efficient and trustworthy vehicle maintenance solution in Nigeria.
Flickwheel’s app offers a comprehensive platform for car owners to easily connect with vetted mechanics, receive transparent pricing for repairs, and access educational resources on vehicle maintenance. By leveraging technology, Flickwheel aims to eliminate the guesswork and inefficiencies that often plague car repairs in Nigeria.
As Flickwheel continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission to make vehicle maintenance more accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. The startup’s innovative approach not only addresses the immediate needs of car owners but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing road safety and vehicle longevity in Nigeria.
In just three years, Flickwheel has proven that with the right blend of technology and entrepreneurial spirit, it is possible to revolutionize even the most entrenched industries. As the company moves forward, it is poised to become a pivotal player in Nigeria’s automotive sector, ensuring that car owners no longer have to navigate the challenges of vehicle maintenance alone.
