This comes after reports emerged that some drivers in the city are planning to increase fares by 50% in protest against what they describe as unfair pricing on the Bolt app.

In a statement released this week, the company said it was aware of “reports suggesting that some drivers in Port Harcourt plan to increase fares by 50% due to concerns about pricing on the Bolt app,” but firmly stated that such actions are unauthorised and “go against Bolt’s operating policies.”

The ride-hailing firm explained that its platform already allows drivers to propose their own fares through a feature called Price Bidding, which, according to Bolt, “ensures fair and transparent pricing for both drivers and riders without the need for any external fare adjustment or surcharge.”

Bolt also emphasised that “any driver found to be charging riders outside the app or demanding extra payments beyond the agreed in-app fare will face immediate and permanent removal from the Bolt platform.” 

The company reiterated its focus on providing “affordable, transparent, and safe mobility for all Nigerians,” urging drivers to continue using the app according to its guidelines.

The warning follows increasing dissatisfaction among Bolt drivers in Port Harcourt, many of whom are members of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON). 

They have complained that expensive fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and the price of spare parts have made it highly difficult to operate profitably.

In their defence, the drivers argue that the company’s current fare model does not align with Nigeria’s economic reality. 

A driver who spoke through AUATON’s Rivers State Chairman, Amos Omoruyi, recently told the media that parts like brake pads that once cost ₦1,500 now sell for as high as ₦8,000. “We are not fraudulent,” Omoruyi said in an interview. “What we are asking for is a fair adjustment to reflect the current cost of living.”

Some drivers also allege that while their costs have gone up, Bolt’s commission rate has stayed high, further cutting into their earnings. They insist that without fare adjustments, drivers will continue to struggle to sustain their operations.

However, Bolt’s latest statement focuses on policy enforcement and reiterates the company’s stance against unauthorised fare changes. 

The company maintains that the Price Bidding feature offers drivers flexibility to propose fares based on what riders are willing to pay, a system it believes balances both sides.

With inflation and fuel prices affecting Nigeria’s e-hailing sector, operating expenses have moved to record levels and drivers are demanding better compensation. Platforms like Bolt continue to prioritise fare stability for riders.

For now, Bolt insists it will not tolerate any action that negatively affects the platform’s pricing system. “We encourage all drivers and riders to continue using the Bolt app in accordance with our guidelines to maintain trust and fairness across the platform,” the company said.

The drivers expressed discontent with the minimal fare increase implemented by the ride-hailing companies following the recent surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit.

According to the union’s statement, the app-based firms’ fare increase ranged from 25 to 30 percent, falling far short of the union’s demands for a 200 percent increase and a 50 percent reduction in commission.

The drivers, finding the current conditions unsustainable, had previously appealed to the companies to lower their commissions, arguing that they were not in line with industry standards. They called upon all app-based workers in the country to join the fight until their grievances were addressed.

In their statement, the union emphasized their technical understanding of ride-hailing operations and calculations. They asserted that any app company could break even by charging below five percent commission.

The union recommended a flat commission rate of 10 percent or a 50 percent reduction from the current commission, stating that this would help cover maintenance costs, spare parts, overhead expenses, and the rising fuel prices.

Highlighting their efforts to engage in dialogue, the union expressed disappointment with the companies’ refusal to take responsibility and engage in a roundtable discussion.

They denounced any dictatorial practices and lack of concern for the welfare and security of app-based transport workers.

Consequently, the union instructed all its members nationwide to cease providing services on ride-hailing applications starting from Wednesday, June 7, 2023, as a form of protest against these practices.

The challenge which launched in 2021 and held for a 10-week period rewarded four winners in Nigeria with brand-new cars, as well as participation prizes for other participants.

The Contest, which was divided into different categories, including a women’s league, a new driver’s league, and an existing driver’s league, was underway for 10 weeks.

Drivers were given goals in form of finished rides and driver ratings which qualified them to win tokens towards a grand prize which was decided in a draw.

The challenge recorded wide participation and saw Peter Nanman from Abuja emerge as the winner of the new driver’s league; Aisosa Uhunoma Ekhayeme from Benin won the women’s league, and Abdullateef Jimoh from Abuja topped the existing driver’s league.

Eseosa Okunoyawe from Benin also received a brand-new car as the overall top driver in the country.

Congratulating the drivers, Femi Akin-Laguda, Bolt country manager, said, “Bolt recognizes that drivers are fundamental to the continued growth of the  Bolt brand in Nigeria and we do not take their commitment and efforts for granted. Through the Driver’s League challenge, our commitment to incentivizing both existing and new drivers continues to be fulfilled as we appreciate their hard work and efforts during the year.

“We will continue to strive to retain the trust and loyalty of our drivers by fulfilling our promise which is to keep improving the overall experience for every driver. In the new year, we look forward to building a better community where drivers can thrive”.

Expressing his excitement, the overall winner, Eseosa Okunoyawe, thanked the Bolt team for their support over time.

“Since the day I registered with Bolt it has been an awesome experience which has transformed my life positively. I just won a new car being the overall top Bolt driver in Nigeria. I want to encourage other Nigerians who are willing to drive and to join the Bolt platform. Tomorrow may be your turn!”

The Driver’s League competition showcases Bolt’s commitment to advancing and easing mobility in sub-Saharan Africa while also empowering the economy with extra earning opportunities.

The contest was held across Nigeria and Ghana with four winners selected from each country, and three winners in South Africa.

The e-hailing giant, Bolt has continuously shown commitment to excellent customer satisfaction while supporting drivers’ welfare.

In 2020, following the advent of the lockdown, Bolt launched the “Mega Bonus Challenge” in Nigeria to support drivers.

The challenge saw two winners go home with brand-new cars, and other drivers with gift hampers, N800,000 worth of fuel vouchers and household appliances.