How Alarrt is redefining road safety and emergency response in Nigeria

Every year, thousands of Nigerians face life-threatening emergencies and security threats on the road. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of road traffic accidents in Africa, with over 41,000 road crashes reported between 2019 and 2022, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). Unfortunately, many of these incidents result in avoidable casualties when help doesn’t arrive on time.

Alarrt, Nigeria’s premier and innovative safety-tech platform, is transforming how Nigerians respond to road emergencies.

Known as Nigeria’s version of “911” for road-related incidents, Alarrt is innovatively bridging the critical gap in the country’s road safety and emergency response systems by offering real-time access to medical, security, and automobile assistance during emergencies, all through a user-friendly mobile app.

Olumide Shode founded Alarrt with the goal of solving these issues by providing everyday Nigerians with a platform to access critical emergency services directly when they’re at home and on the road. The app provides real-time alerts for roadblocks, accidents, and other dangers, allowing users to bypass threats or take alternative routes to reach their destination safely.

“We identified that while many Nigerians had access to medical services within hospitals, there was a critical gap when it came to emergencies encountered, especially on the road,” said Olumide Shode, Founder and CEO of Alarrt. “Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian has the right knowledge and resources to respond to emergencies at the click of a button.”

Changing the Narrative Around Road Safety in Nigeria

“We often hear heartbreaking stories of lives lost or forever changed because of delayed responses to emergencies. Alarrt was created with one simple goal: to make sure that no one has to experience the same tragedy due to a lack of access to resources,” says Olumide Shode, the founder of Alarrt.

Launched in 2020, Alarrt initially set out with the vision of becoming the “Twitter for safety”. A platform where users could stay informed about emergencies and security threats around them.

However, Alarrt’s mission evolved as they recognised a broader need: a direct, practical way to provide Nigerians with tools and resources to respond to road emergencies before they escalate. This shift in focus led to the introduction of advanced features, including emergency alert geo-notifications, emergency response training, emergency insurance plans, detailed mapping systems for safer, shorter routes to destinations, and the ability for users to notify loved ones and app users when a crisis occurs nearby.

Alarrt is at the forefront of the road safety revolution in Nigeria, and its transformation reflects a deeper understanding of the complexities of Nigerian road safety issues. As Shode points out, “The key is not just knowing that something has happened but also having the right tools and knowledge to respond quickly. This is why we’ve started community-based emergency response training and incorporated other app features that allow users to reshare alerts to popular social media apps and access first-aid resources through the in-app blog and AI virtual assistance (launching soon).

Empowering Communities and Educating the Public

Alarrt is not just about offering emergency response; it’s about building a culture of safety in Nigeria. Through partnerships with communities and organizations, Alarrt is pushing for broader public safety education. “The average Nigerian can only act when they’re properly informed,” Shode added. “That’s why we’re committed to safety education, starting from the grassroots level, teaching emergency response in rural areas with less access to quality healthcare facilities.”
The start-up has expanded its services to include vehicle repairs, health insurance, and emergency response subscriptions. Through partnerships, as mentioned with aligned stakeholders, Alarrt is integrating solutions that offer health coverage and emergency services, ensuring comprehensive safety support in varied subscription packages.

Why Safety Tech? A Personal Mission for Change

Shode has a personal connection to Alarrt’s mission. Having experienced firsthand how limited access to emergency resources can be life-threatening, she’s committed to making sure that Nigerians never find themselves in a life-or-death situation without the tools to respond.

“It’s about transforming lives. Alarrt is more than just an app; it’s a movement to bring every Nigerian the assistance they ought to have when they need them most,” said Shode.
At the heart of Alarrt’s mission is the belief that safety is a shared responsibility. While the app offers essential services, it’s also about creating a culture of safety in Nigeria. Through their emergency response training programs, Alarrt is working to educate young people in schools and local communities on basic first aid, how to react in emergencies, and how to stay safe while commuting.

“Safety shouldn’t just be a matter of access to resources – it should be a collective mindset. If we all know how to act when a crisis hits, we’re not just relying on emergency services. We’re relying on each other,” says Olumide.

“Through user-generated alerts, community-based route sharing, and collaborative safety efforts, Alarrt is helping Nigerians work together to protect themselves and each other.

“Safety isn’t something that can be achieved alone,” Shode said. “We need Nigerians to join the movement to help us make our roads safer.”

How Alarrt Works

Getting started with Alarrt is simple. All Nigerians need to do is download the app from their app store, sign in, and begin exploring the features that are available.
The app operates on a subscription-based model, offering various packages that provide access to affordable services. From crisis alerts to emergency response services and vehicle support, users can choose a plan that suits their needs.

For businesses and organizations, Alarrt offers B2B partnerships to help companies ensure the safety of their employees by providing them with essential tools and resources during their commutes.

Join the Safety Movement In Nigeria – Download the Alarrt App

Nigeria faces widespread issues with road insecurity, inadequate emergency response systems, and a lack of reliable access to safety resources. From traffic accidents to medical emergencies, many Nigerians find themselves without immediate help when they need it most.

Alarrt is just getting started, but our goal is simple. “We are working towards building a Nigeria where no one feels helpless in an emergency. Alarrt isn’t just another app; it’s a lifeline.

By providing access to real-time alerts, emergency training, and fast access to help, we’re not just building a startup; we’re saving lives. And when Nigerians come together to protect each other using Alarrt, that’s how real change happens,” said Shode. “Join us on this journey to create the safer Nigeria we all seek by downloading the Alarrt app today and sharing our vision with family and friends”

Follow Alarrt’s journey and be part of the moving change.