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.

This translates to an average monthly income of ₦1.61 million per driver, outpacing the ₦1.2 million monthly average reported by competitor inDrive for the same period.

According to the company, the earnings are based on gross trip revenue, factoring in bonuses and incentives offered to drivers who demonstrate high levels of professionalism, including maintaining strong customer ratings, accepting trip requests regularly, and completing high volumes of rides.

Bolt attributes this performance to its ongoing investment in driver support programmes and operational improvements. Over the past few months, the platform has expanded initiatives aimed at improving driver welfare. 

These include fuel subsidies, enhanced safety features, flexible driving hours, and structured incentive schemes, all while working to ensure a reliable and accessible experience for riders.

Speaking on the development, Osi Oguah, general manager for Bolt Nigeria, said, “At Bolt, we are committed to creating economic opportunities for our driver partners. This report demonstrates that consistent engagement on the platform can yield substantial financial rewards. We remain focused on improving the driver experience and ensuring sustainability in the gig economy.”

The numbers also reiterate the growing appetite for ride-hailing services in Nigeria, particularly in urban centres where mobility challenges persist. With more Nigerians opting for reliable and affordable transport alternatives, Bolt’s role as a mobility enabler continues to deepen.

As of today, Bolt operates in over 600 cities across more than 50 countries, with a user base exceeding 200 million customers globally. Its ecosystem includes ride-hailing, e-scooter and car rentals, food and grocery delivery, and enterprise mobility services. 

In Nigeria, the company has become a cornerstone of flexible employment for thousands of drivers navigating the complexities of a tough economic space.