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 forum brought together passengers, drivers, regulators, media, lifestyle influencers, and Bolt staff to confront the realities of urban mobility in Nigeria. 

Riders gave an account of everyday frustrations, including fare disputes, air-conditioning etiquette, offline payment pressure, while drivers explained the daily challenges of navigating Lagos roads under high demand.

Engr Adebayo Olusoji, director of Public Transport Commuter Services, delivered a keynote stressing collaboration, continuous education, and policy enforcement as cornerstones for a safer urban mobility space. 

The discussion then shifted to pressing passenger concerns: verification processes, data privacy, and accountability in Economy (Basic) trips. Many riders spoke about their fears when it comes to app data misuse, including drivers taking screenshots of personal information. Their message reiterated the fact that privacy and safety cannot be separated.

Bolt responded by highlighting its suite of safety tools. Trip sharing, in-trip audio recording, driver and rider verification, emergency assist buttons, in-trip insurance, and 24/7 customer support were all presented as mechanisms designed to restore trust and prevent incidents. 

The event also included a role-play session simulating typical rider-driver interactions, ensuring candid conversations about mutual respect, communication, and empathy.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s head of Regulatory and Policy, summed up the ethos of the day: “This isn’t just about enforcing platform rules, it’s about putting people at the centre of the safety conversation. Our mission is to co-create solutions that reflect the real experiences of riders and drivers. Today’s forum shows that when we listen, learn, and act together, we can build a more respectful and secure ride-hailing experience for all.”

Bolt plans a nationwide engagement strategy to further embed community-led safety practices. This approach reflects Nigeria’s growing expectations for safer, smarter urban transport, a market projected to reach $477.10 million by the end of 2025 with over 42 million users by 2030.

Recent metrics show Bolt’s efforts are translating into action. Offline trip rates have dropped 42% in three months. Trusted Contacts usage jumped from 7,839 in January to 31,216 in June. Pick-Up Codes, designed to prevent riders from entering the wrong vehicle, have been used by 5,568 riders in the first half of 2025.

These numbers indicate growing confidence in app-based safety tools and a shift in the ride-hailing culture.

The Bolt first Passenger Safety Meet & Greet stresses that safety is beyond policy, it’s a conversation. One the company is committed to leading in Nigeria.

Speaking at the official launch of MyLagosApp on Thursday, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, stressed the need for technology-driven governance to manage the challenges that come with Lagos’ unending growth.

“What we manage in Lagos is bigger than most countries in Africa,” he stated, noting that beyond GDP comparisons, the volume of services and infrastructure the state oversees requires innovative solutions.

The governor highlighted key urban issues, including waste management and education, stating that Lagos generates “13,000 metric tonnes of waste daily” and has a primary school population equivalent to “84% of a population.”

With the launch of MyLagosApp, the government aims to streamline access to essential city services, from real-time traffic updates and emergency response coordination to utility payments and business listings. 

The app, developed in collaboration with MTN and several government agencies, is built as a very important link between residents and public services.

“By strategically harnessing technology, we are not only enhancing governance and improving service delivery but also simplifying and enriching the lives of every resident in this very vibrant state,” Hamzat said.

The MyLagosApp is designed to be an inclusive platform, ensuring that residents across all parts of Lagos—“from people on the mainland to the island—can access government services efficiently.”

The governor urged Lagosians to “embrace this app, download it, use it, explore it, and fully utilize the services it offers,” stressing that innovation is a continuous journey and community involvement is essential to the app’s success.

As part of the state’s digital transformation initiatives, Hamzat also revealed plans to integrate real-time tracking for the newly introduced ‘little buses’ under the state’s transportation system, ensuring commuters can access information on bus routes and schedules.

The deputy governor reiterated the administration’s focus on making Lagos a smarter, more efficient, and inclusive city, serving as a model for urban innovation in Africa.