In a remarkable display of commitment to upholding safety and security within the ride-hailing ecosystem, stakeholders gathered at the BWC Hotel in Lagos for the Driver-Led Safety Summit themed “Safe for All: Navigating the Future of Ride-Hailing” organised by Bolt, the leading ride-hailing platform in Nigeria.
The theme: ‘Safe for All’ was apt and in tune with the safety concerns in the ride-hailing space.
This event served as a collaborative platform for drivers, industry leaders, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and safety experts to exchange insights, strategies, and best practices to elevate safety standards in Lagos State.
The inaugural Driver-Led Safety Summit was headlined by the Honourable Commissioner of Transportation, Lagos State ably represented by Engr A.O Adebayo, the Director of Public Transport Commuter Services who delivered the keynote address highlighting the paramount importance of safety in fostering a thriving and progressive society.
He stated,
“As we drive the wheels of safety in Lagos State, remember that safety is not a mere obligation but rather an investment in the prosperity and well-being of our citizens, and we applaud Bolt’s commitment to safety which is not merely a checkbox on a list but a fundamental aspect of their service.”
Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Senior Public Policy Manager, West, North, and Central Africa said:
“At Bolt, we recognise safety as a collective responsibility, with our driver partners being integral to our service. Their welfare is our top concern. Through collaboration with drivers and key regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Transport, and FRSC, we are committed to fostering open dialogue, providing education, improving our safety features, and working together to enhance road safety in Lagos. This summit serves as a vital platform for sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and collectively striving to ensure the safety of all stakeholders within the ride-hailing ecosystem. Bolt will rise to action and work towards implementing these initiatives “
We stand ready to collaborate with public and private agencies to enhance awareness and adherence to road safety standards among road users said; Acc Spence Olakojo, Unit Commander, Ojota of the Federal Road Safety Corps emphasising the commitment of FRSC in promoting road safety, reducing accidents, and safeguarding lives by ensuring that all commuters understand the road furnitures and the laws that govern the roads.
“Highlighting the critical significance of leveraging technology to advance safety standards within the swiftly evolving transportation sector Engr Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, Director of Transport Operations, Lagos State Ministry of Transport mentioned a pivotal step in the right direction with the ongoing Application Programming Interface integration with ride-hailing operators to ensure effective monitoring of ride-hailing operations and heightened security and efficiency within the transport sector. He acknowledged drivers’ feedback on infrastructure issues such as street light repairs, bad roads, and traffic-prone areas due to tankers and assured the drivers that the Ministry is committed to taking prompt action.”
Faruq Abbas Managing Partner, Abdu-Salaam Abbas & Co emphasised the paramount importance of data privacy for divers, and riders on our platform stating that concerns be directed through the app’s designated channels instead of progressing to social media and compromising privacy. He commends Bolt for this laudable initiative to educate and empower its driver community on the importance of data protection.
Representatives of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria and the Ladies on Wheel Association of Nigeria at the Driver-led Safety Summit, emphasised the core safety demands of drivers, highlighting the need for rider verification and significant improvements to road conditions, including the repair of road furniture.
These key enhancements, according to them, would contribute significantly to fostering a safer environment for both drivers and riders in the ride-hailing sector.”
The Driver-Led Safety Summit’s agenda included a series of interactive workshops, panel discussions, and informative sessions.
Topics covered ranged from both driver and rider safety, road safety best practices as well as addressing challenges faced by drivers and law enforcement in ensuring safety on the road.
Key initiatives explored at the Summit include:
- Rider Verification: Implementing a rider verification process for enhanced safety and security on the platform.
- Enhanced Safety Communications: Launching a robust safety communications campaign to raise awareness among both drivers and riders about best practices and safety guidelines.
- Flagging High-Risk Areas: Identifying and highlighting high-risk areas to drivers and riders to exercise caution.
- Security Training: Providing comprehensive security training to equip our drivers and riders with the necessary skills to handle challenging situations effectively.
The Bolt Driver-Led Safety Summit symbolises a pivotal milestone in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the ride-hailing community.
As the summit participants collectively drive the wheels of safety forward, it reinforces the shared commitment to creating a sustainable and safe environment for all.
