Meet Alhaji Raheem Akinola, the visionary behind ARA Ventures, a leading car hire and logistics operator at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Ikeja, Lagos. With years of experience in the industry, Alhaji Akinola shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, the importance of government support, and his plans for expanding ARA Ventures’ services. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about the realities of operating in Nigeria’s aviation industry and his commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Evolution and Challenges
“ARA Ventures has grown significantly since its inception, adapting to the dynamic needs of travelers and businesses at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. However, we face challenges such as high operational costs, security concerns, and infrastructure limitations. Despite these, we’ve maintained a strong reputation for reliability and customer service.”
Impact of High Vehicle Costs and Bailout Funds
“The increased cost of vehicles has significantly impacted our operations, affecting our pricing and profitability. A government bailout fund could provide much-needed relief, enabling us to maintain affordable services for our customers while ensuring business sustainability.”
Security Measures
“Security is our top priority. We’ve implemented robust measures, including thorough background checks on staff, GPS tracking of vehicles, and secure parking facilities. We also collaborate with airport security agencies to ensure a safe environment for our customers and their belongings.”
Navigating Airport Operations
“We’ve developed strong relationships with airport authorities, customs, and immigration officials to streamline our operations. Our team is well-versed in relevant regulations, ensuring compliance and efficient service delivery.”
Government Support
“We believe the government can support us through accessible funding options, infrastructure development, and policy frameworks that promote the growth of the logistics and car hire industry. This would enable us to enhance our services, create jobs, and contribute to the economy.”
Customer Satisfaction
“At ARA Ventures, customer satisfaction is paramount. We’ve implemented a customer-centric approach, offering personalized services, real-time updates, and prompt issue resolution. Our dedicated team ensures that every customer interaction is positive and memorable.”
Future Plans and Contributions
“Our goal is to expand our services, investing in technology and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and customer experience. We aim to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s transportation and logistics sector, creating jobs and driving economic growth while maintaining our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.”
Technology Integration
“We’re investing heavily in technology to streamline our operations, improve customer experience, and increase efficiency. Our online booking system and mobile app allow customers to easily reserve vehicles and track their bookings. We’re also exploring the use of AI-powered chatbots to provide 24/7 customer support.”
Staff Training and Development
“We recognize that our staff are our greatest asset. We provide regular training and development programs to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver exceptional customer service. Our training programs cover areas such as customer relations, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response procedures.”
Sustainability Initiatives
“We’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in our operations. We’ve implemented initiatives such as vehicle maintenance programs to reduce emissions, recycling programs for waste management, and energy-efficient practices in our offices. We’re also exploring the use of eco-friendly vehicles in our fleet.”
