The cover began in November 2024 with every active rider on the platform automatically enrolled. The policy covers accidental medical expenses, temporary disability and income support if a rider cannot work after an accident.

For a sector built on speed, this is an outstanding initiative. Riders keep Nigeria’s delivery apps running, but most operate as self-employed workers with limited protection.

Chowdeck, founded in October 2021, has grown and expanded across cities. It serves over two million customers and works with thousands of food and hospitality businesses. But like many platforms in the gig economy, its riders shoulder daily risks on busy roads.

Across Nigeria, riders working for platforms such as Bolt, Uber, Jumia Food and Chowdeck typically earn between ₦80,000 and ₦120,000 a week. Most are classified as independent workers. That means no paid leave, no pensions and, until recently, little structured insurance.

A 2026 survey found that 64% of location-based gig workers said income from platforms made a good difference to their household finances. The work is important, so is the risk.

Umar Nasir, head of Operations at Chowdeck, said: “riders are a critical part of everything we do at Chowdeck. This partnership with MyCoverGenius is about more than just insurance – it’s about setting a new benchmark for how delivery platforms in Africa should protect and support their people.

“We want every Chowdeck rider to feel secure knowing that their wellbeing is just as important as the meals and packages they deliver every day.”

Adebowale Banjo, chief executive officer at MyCoverGenius, said the company’s mission has always been to make insurance accessible, relevant, and impactful for everyday Africans and partnering with Chowdeck ensures “we’re not only extending protection to thousands of hardworking riders, but also demonstrating how digital platforms can integrate insurance in ways that directly improve lives.”

The timing is another important aspect. Nigeria’s 2026 tax reforms are drawing gig workers into the formal tax net. Riders and freelancers now face compliance obligations that did not apply to many of them before. However, most still lack the benefits tied to traditional employment.

That gap has led to issues about fairness in the fast-growing gig economy. Platforms depend on riders, but riders usually absorb the shocks when accidents happen or demand drops.

Globally, delivery and ride-hailing firms have begun to use welfare benefits to attract and retain workers. Insurance, in particular, is becoming a point of difference.

This milestone underscores Bolt and MyCoverGenius’s dedication to providing a reliable and protected ride-sharing experience for all users.

To ensure the well-being of its riders and drivers, Bolt partnered with MyCoverGenius to offer comprehensive coverage for all trips.

The insurance products, built with flexibility and affordability in mind, are designed to cover a range of incidents, including loss/damage to mobile devices, bodily injury (medical expenses), temporary disabilities, permanent disabilities and death providing peace of mind to all its users.

Notably, loss or damage to mobile devices has been the most frequently claimed incident. The streamlined process ensures that claims are handled swiftly and efficiently, minimizing any inconvenience to users.

Yayaha Mohammed, country manager at Bolt, commented,

“At Bolt, we are committed to ensuring that every ride taken with Bolt is safe and secure, that is why we partnered with MyCoverGenius to curate a unique insurance product to address the risks that drivers and riders may face. Processing over 1,000 insurance claims is a testament to our dedication to the safety and well-being of our users. Bolt’s insurance policies cover a wide array of incidents, ensuring that both drivers and passengers are protected from unforeseen events during their rides. This is part of several safety toolkits implemented and are continuously evaluated and improved”

Adebowale Banjo, CEO of MyCoverGenius, added,

“Ensuring protection for Nigerians has always been our priority at MyCoverGenius. Our collaboration with Bolt allows us to provide comprehensive coverage that addresses the specific needs and concerns of both drivers and riders. We are proud to support Bolt in making sure every trip is protected.”

The second edition tournament, themed “Fostering Unity and Inclusion”, aimed to enhance the relationship between Bolt and its driver-partners.

The event underscored the platform’s commitment to the well-being of its drivers, recognising the essential role they play in the ride-hailing ecosystem.

Organised in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, OneHealth by AXA, Oraimo, and Mycovergenius, the event was a resounding success.

Bolt driver-partners from various locations across Lagos participated enthusiastically in the mini football tournament.

The event featured knockout matches between four teams formed by the drivers, showcasing their sporting skills in a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition.

In addition to the football matches, the event offered a safe and enjoyable playground for the children and families of the drivers.

They spent the Democracy Day holiday engaged in games, activities, and entertainment, making the event a memorable occasion for all attendees.

Giving the opening remarks, Engr. Olusoji Adebayo, the director of Public Transport and Commuter Services (PTCS), said,

“I would like to thank Bolt for organising this brilliant initiative. It is indeed an opportunity for Bolt drivers to meet and relate with transport regulators in an atmosphere that encourages cohesion and exchange of ideas, challenges and solutions that is peculiar to Bolt drivers in Lagos State.

I hereby express my sincere appreciation for the efforts of the Bolt team for organising this event which is important to portray and ensure an attitude of excellence and professionalism among the e-hailing operators in Lagos State.”

Speaking at the event, Yahaya Mohammed, Bolt’s country manager said,

“We believe in fostering a strong sense of community and building meaningful relationships with our drivers. Through initiatives like this, we are not just a ride-hailing platform; we are a supportive and vibrant community that values the contributions of our drivers. Together, we are driving towards a future of excellence in service and driver empowerment. I am thrilled to witness the incredible comradeship and passion displayed by our drivers today. This event exemplifies Bolt’s unwavering commitment to driver engagement and satisfaction”

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, acting head of Regulatory & Policy Africa at Bolt, expressed enthusiasm about the event, saying, “We are thrilled to host this novelty football competition as a way to bring our driver community together in a spirit of unity and inclusion. Our drivers are the backbone of our service, and this event is our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication. By creating opportunities for our drivers and their families to connect and engage in a fun, relaxed setting, we aim to strengthen the bonds within our community and celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger.”

The event concluded with the presentation of medals and trophies to the top three teams, along with outstanding prizes for participants.

The winning team received a cash prize of N500,000 plus an additional N200,000 from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

The runner-up team was awarded N350,000 plus an additional N150,000 from Oraimo, while the third-place team received N250,000.

In total, the cash prizes amounted to 1.3 million naira.

Additionally, exciting prizes were won by female drivers and other attendees during the raffle draw.