According to a new nationwide study by Ipsos, commissioned by Bolt Nigeria, eight out of ten Nigerians believe ride-hailing is safer than traditional transport.

This captures both the progress of technology, and the gaps in public safety that technology has been able to fill.

The Ride-Hailing Safety Perception Report, presented at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, revealed that 96% of passengers said they use ride-hailing because it feels safer, while 95% said it is their first choice for late-night trips. 

Based on surveys conducted across major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, the report revealed how safety perceptions influence transport choices. Women made up most of the users, and nearly half use the apps several times a week.

Osi Oguah, Bolt Nigeria’s general manager, noted the fine line between innovation and public trust.

“Safety is at the core of everything we do at Bolt. This research gives us valuable insight into how Nigerians experience and perceive safety when using ride-hailing. We’ll continue to invest in technology, partnerships, and awareness to ensure every ride on Bolt is not only affordable and reliable but also safe,” he said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, represented by the Director of Transport Operations, commended the study for both its reassurance and challenge revealed. 

His goodwill message urged ride-hailing operators to collaborate more on data and transparency.

“The decision by Bolt to commission an independent safety perception study is commendable and forward-thinking,” he said. “It demonstrates a genuine commitment to listening to users, understanding their concerns, and continuously improving the ride-hailing experience. This reflects the spirit of partnership that drives our collective progress in the transport sector.”

The need for data sharing was expatiated as a recognition that safety is not limited to apps, but includes visibility, regulation, and accountability. 

Lagos, he said, is already building a more connected transport data system, designed to link operator platforms with government infrastructure.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s head of Regulatory and Policy, also commented on the findings:

“It’s a landmark study that gives voice to what millions of Nigerians already know. Ride-hailing is changing how people move and it’s making travel safer. At Bolt, safety is not just a feature, it’s a philosophy,” she said. 

This drew attention to interesting data that revealed 97% of riders say safety tools such as GPS tracking, trip sharing, and driver verification make them feel safer.

The Ipsos presentation, led by Stephanie Kanyiri, added more context. The 250-respondent survey showed that two-thirds of Nigerians believe ride-hailing helps reduce drunk driving, as many use apps to get home after social outings. 94% have booked rides for friends or family late at night, a subtle sign of how ride-hailing has become a form of community safety.

“The findings reflect an encouraging trend, Nigerians increasingly see ride-hailing as a trusted and secure mobility option. Safety features that enhance visibility, accountability, and control are major drivers of confidence among passengers, especially in urban centres.”

However, Kanyiri pointed out an awareness gap that could not be ignored. Some riders know the safety features exist but rarely use them. Others misunderstand what “safety” means, linking it to only one function, which is driver ratings or trip sharing, instead of the full ecosystem of in-app tools. 

“Different people attribute safety to different features,” she explained, calling for continuous public education.

While ride-hailing companies celebrate public trust, that trust also reveals how Nigerians distrust the alternatives. However, the report isn’t cynical but corrective. It suggests that when safety is designed, tracked, and verified, people notice. And they reward it with loyalty.

Trust must evolve into structure. That means better data-sharing, wider awareness of safety tools, and more unified regulation, not to limit innovation, but to protect it.

The Ride-Hailing Safety Perception Report provides valuable insights that will guide Bolt’s future investments in safety education, technology innovation, and public awareness initiatives. 

Bolt reiterates that insights from the study will also inform upcoming campaigns to increase understanding and adoption of in-app safety features.

The study, “Our Life with AI: From innovation to application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, finding that global AI usage has jumped to 48% and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57% vs. 43%, up from 50% / 50% last year).

In Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher. 70% of the online population have used generative AI, surpassing the 48% global average. Moreover, 87% are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.

“AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better,” said Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet. “Today’s survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”

AI Optimism on the Rise

The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings include:

• Generative AI Use: Among survey participants in Nigeria, 70% reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48%.
• Positive Outlook: A substantial 87% of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI.
• Economic Impact: A significant 81% of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.
• Societal Impact: Furthermore, 90% of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.

How Nigeria Fares Versus Other Regions

Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates:

• Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.
• This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.

AI Opportunity for Science and Medical Breakthroughs

The Nigerian online community sees immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:

• A significant 90% of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI.

AI as a Tool for Personal and Professional Growth

The surveyed online population in Nigeria recognises AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:

• Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources.

Pro-Innovation Sentiments Prevail

Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations.

This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation.

Global Comparison of 2023 and 2024 Results

“Our latest multinational survey with Google shows that people view the continuing development of AI as important and exciting, but something that should be done thoughtfully,” said Ben Page, CEO, Ipsos. “We find that as more people use and gain experience with AI, they are better able to see how AI can help them and the possibilities that AI gives them.

These results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement.

The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.

Charting the Course of AI in Nigeria’s Business Terrain

Google’s approach to AI

Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years – in fact, in 2018, the company was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm.

Two years ago, Google unveiled its Opportunity Agenda, which shares concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.