Bolt Sees 92% Jump in Driver Sign-Ups After Uber Leaves Nigeria

Bolt has recorded a 92 per cent week-on-week increase in driver registrations in Nigeria following Uber's exit from the country. The ride-hailing firm said the surge reflects growing interest from drivers seeking an alternative platform to sustain their livelihoods.

Bolt, which has operated in Nigeria since 2016, said the influx of new registrations will not lead to a relaxation of its onboarding, safety or conduct rules.

Safety standards stay unchanged

Senior General Manager, Bolt West Africa, Teddy Appa-Dankyi, said the increase showed drivers' confidence in the platform and the opportunities it offers.

"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. However, growth cannot come at the expense of safety," he said.

Appa-Dankyi said every driver seeking to join the platform must still satisfy Bolt's established onboarding and safety requirements. Drivers previously suspended or blocked over serious safety violations, misconduct or other breaches of its standards will not be automatically reinstated because of the increased demand.

"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," he said.

"We will not compromise those standards simply because there is an influx of drivers looking for opportunities."

Uber's exit reshapes the market

The development comes as Nigeria's ride-hailing industry adjusts to Uber's withdrawal from the market after about 12 years of operations, prompting drivers and riders to explore alternative platforms.

For drivers, Bolt said its established presence in the country offers a route to a platform with an existing rider base and established demand. Riders, the company added, will continue to have access to mobility services backed by its safety measures and operational infrastructure.

Bolt said it remains committed to Nigeria and will keep investing in its platform and driver community as the country's mobility sector evolves.

"The market may be changing, but our commitment to safety and quality remains constant," Appa-Dankyi said.

What it means for the market

Uber's departure leaves a large pool of drivers and riders looking for a new home, and Bolt is moving quickly to absorb that demand. How well it screens the wave of new registrations will shape safety outcomes and rider confidence in the months ahead, at a time when Nigerians are already weighing transport costs against tighter household budgets.