The initiative aims to give drivers access to affordable healthcare, a benefit many independent drivers normally lack.

The programme allows drivers to choose coverage for themselves and their dependents through a pooled plan, which offers discounted premiums and faster access to services.

Bolt says this will help drivers manage their health while continuing to earn.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa, said: “Driver wellbeing is critical to the long-term health of the mobility ecosystem. This partnership with Bastion Health is designed to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for drivers, helping them protect their health while continuing to earn on the platform.

“By negotiating group benefits for drivers, we’re able to lower barriers to healthcare access and create meaningful support for our driver community.”

The plans combine flexibility and affordability, giving drivers options that traditional individual insurance plans usually do not. Bastion Health’s digital platform makes it easy for drivers to learn about, enrol in, and manage their coverage.

Bolt also noted the safety benefits of the programme. Healthier drivers are more alert on the road, which could lead to fewer accidents. The company said the initiative is part of a goal to support drivers with financial, safety, and well-being programmes.

Beyond the driver health insurance innovation, Bolt is continually seeking partnerships to bolster the gig economy, striving to address the needs of drivers while promoting the long-term sustainability of the ride-hailing ecosystem.

At its End-of-Year Driver Awards, Bolt honoured driver-partners in Lagos, while also recognising those across Port Harcourt, Abuja and Benin, among other states. 

These drivers demonstrated professionalism, commitment, and perseverance in the face of everyday challenges.

The event, held on Thursday, December 11, celebrated individuals who went beyond just ferrying passengers. Bolt presented recipients with gifts ranging from televisions and washing machines to air conditioners and water dispensers, a nod to both appreciation and practical support for their households.

“Our driver-partners are the heartbeat of our platform,” said Weyinmi Aghadiuno, head of Regulatory & Policy Africa at Bolt. “This event is our way of recognising the outstanding individuals who go above and beyond to deliver safe, reliable, and professional service across Nigeria. They are more than drivers, they are community builders, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

The ceremony revealed both speed and reliability, as well as the values of safety, dedication, and community engagement. 

Driver-ambassadors, branded drivers, and the longest-serving partners were all recognised, including veterans who have been with Bolt since its early Taxify days.

In her speech, Aghadiuno acknowledged the drivers’ relentless work ethic: “We honour you today. Every early morning, you wake up, every late night, you push through every extra mile you take to serve your city.

“Those moments don’t go unnoticed. You have kept our platform moving. You have kept our customers safe, and you have kept the economy alive. Excellence is not an accident, but a daily choice, and tonight, we choose to celebrate their excellence.”

The awards also recognised community builders who actively engage in online driver communities, strengthening support networks and knowledge-sharing among peers.

The driver-partners awards event caps a year in which Bolt rolled out initiatives to enhance driver welfare, safety features, and training programmes, all aimed at improving the experience for drivers and riders alike. 

In shining a spotlight on these “quiet heroes,” Bolt reiterated that every driver’s effort is important, both to the platform and to the larger economy.

“These awards represent pride, professionalism, and the spirit of service. They remind us that no role is too small to make a big impact, and every partner here tonight is part of something bigger than themselves,” Aghadiuno said.

Bolt’s End-of-Year Driver Awards recognise frontline workers not just as service providers, but as essential contributors to community life and urban mobility.