Bolt records 92% surge in driver registrations following Uber exit

Leading ride-hailing company in Nigeria, Bolt, has announced a 92 per cent week-on-week increase in driver registrations. The increase, disclosed in a statement seen by Technext, is attributed to Uber’s exit from the Nigerian market as drivers seek alternative platforms to continue earning.

The ride-hailing company said the increase highlights growing interest in its platform from drivers looking for a reliable and established platform. Having operated in Nigeria since 2016, the company said it has built a broad network of driver partners and riders across the country to drive interest.

Speaking about the increase, Senior General Manager for Bolt West Africa, Teddy Appa-Dankyi, described it as encouraging as it demonstrates major confidence in the app.

“We are encouraged by the strong increase in interest from drivers looking to join Bolt. It demonstrates the confidence drivers have in our platform and the opportunities we provide,” he said.

Bolt not compromising safety despite influx

On September 2, Uber announced that it was shutting down operations in Nigeria and focusing its energies elsewhere on the continent. The exit raised concerns about the state of the e-hailing market in Nigeria, with Bolt and inDrive restating their commitment to the Nigerian market. Uber’s exit also led to some major readjustments, with drivers and riders seeking continuity and reliable alternatives.

Bolt says its established presence provides an opportunity for drivers to transition to a platform with an existing rider base and established demand. On the other hand, riders will continue to have access to mobility services supported by its safety measures and operational infrastructure.

Read also: 500 Bolt drivers to get first aid kits and training to equip them for emergency response

The company also assured that while the platform has seen a significant influx of drivers, it is not compromising its onboarding, safety and conduct standards to accommodate the increased interest.

“Growth cannot come at the expense of safety. Every driver who joins Bolt must meet our onboarding and safety requirements, and those standards remain unchanged. We have also maintained our position on drivers who were previously blocked or suspended for serious violations or unacceptable behaviour. We will not compromise those standards simply because there is an influx of drivers looking for opportunities,” Senior General Manager for West Africa, Teddy Appa-Dankyi, said.

Bolt further restated its commitment to the Nigerian market, stressing that it will continue investing in its platform and driver community as the country’s mobility landscape evolves.

“The market may be changing, but our commitment to safety and quality remains constant,” Appa-Dankyi added.