Bolt Nigeria urges FCT authorities to go after illegal e-hailing operators in Abuja

Bolt Nigeria has urged the FCT Minister and the Transport Secretariat of the FCT to enforce its policies against illegal and unlicensed e-hailing operators in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The call was made by Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed during a roundtable discussion that was held in FCT, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Speaking about the e-hailing company’s recent licensing approval in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Public Transport Management Scheme, Yahaya noted that the FCT Minister’s recognition of Bolt as a licensed ride-hailing operator validates the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and underscores its continuous dedication to a safe and secure platform for drivers and passengers alike.

While advocating for a level playing field for all players in the FCT, the Country Manager called on the authorities to enforce the law against illegal players.

“As a responsible market player, we advocate for a level playing field among operators in the FCT, urging compliance with the PTMS. We beacon (sic) the FCT Minister and the Transport Secretariat to enforce against illegal operators,” he said.

Recall that on Monday, February 5, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Transport Secretariat, revealed that only two ride-hailing companies have been approved to operate exclusively in the city. The companies are Estonian ride-hailing giant, Bolt, and Nairaxi, an indigenous mobility startup that won the innovator’s competition organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) held February 2023.

Read about it here: Insecurity: Uber, Indrive missing as Bolt, Nairaxi get exclusive license to operate in Abuja

Uber, one of the biggest ride-hailing companies in the world was conspicuously missing. So also was Indrive, the fastest-growing taxi-hailing company in Nigeria. And with the FCTA threatening to clamp down on taxi-hailing companies that continue operating in the capital without licenses, the companies run the risk of being banned and hounded according to the statement.

Reacting to the development at the time, an Uber Spokesperson told Technext that the company had already submitted the necessary requirements to the FCTA and they are looking forward to obtaining their license.

“We have submitted the necessary requirements to the FCTA and look forward to continuing to provide a reliable mobility option for riders and earnings opportunity for drivers in Abuja,” the spokesperson said.

Indrive gave a more robust response as its Business Development Representative in Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji said the company has initiated the procedure of securing its license back in 2023 and has even obtained a pre-approval letter back in December.

“We are currently in the process of securing our license, having initiated the procedure in 2023 in accordance with FCTA requirements. We are actively engaging with the FCTA and have obtained a pre-approval letter on December 18, 2023. Our team is working diligently to ensure timely receipt of the license, enabling us to continue serving our customers. It’s important to note that the delay is unrelated to any concerns about inDrive posing a security risk. We fully respect the FCTA’s efforts to regulate services operating without proper authorization,” Oladimeji told Technext.

It is yet unclear whether both ride-hailing companies have eventually obtained their licences, although nothing appears to suggest they are no longer in operation in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

Bolt reaffirms commitment to welfare of Abuja drivers

Still on the Abuja roundtable, the leading on-demand mobility company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to prioritising driver welfare, safety and regulatory matters affecting drivers in the Federal Capital Territory.

The company made this known as it continues the initiation of a series of engagements aimed at fostering stronger relationships and mutual understanding and identifying areas of collaboration between Bolt and its driver-partners

The company said the session offered a valuable platform to delve into and find solutions for the issues facing drivers in the FCT. The drivers had the opportunity to voice their feedback, share experiences, and co-create strategies that drive positive change within the industry.

“We are excited to be hosting this series of engagements with driver-partners. At Bolt, driver partners are at the heart of our business, and events like these enable us to listen, learn, and evolve together. We believe that by working hand in hand with them and with other key stakeholders, we can create meaningful impact and shape a future where everyone benefits,” Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed said.

Bolt says it remains dedicated to nurturing a culture of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect. By fostering stronger relationships with drivers and industry stakeholders, it aims to drive innovation, enhance service quality, and deliver exceptional experiences for both drivers and passengers on its platform.

See also: Insecurity: Uber, Indrive missing as Bolt, Nairaxi get exclusive license to operate in Abuja