This was revealed on Tuesday at the launch of Bolt’s flagship Gig Economy Report, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The report was launched at a time when more than 92% of employed Nigerians work in the informal sector, focusing more on flexible, platform-based jobs.

Covering Nigeria and four other African markets, the report shows that gig work has gone beyond a side option to a main source of income.

Ride-hailing alone accounts for 24% of participation, second only to e-commerce, and nearly 6 in 10 workers remain active for over a year, pointing to sustained reliance rather than short-term engagement.

Speaking at the event, Teddy Appa-Dankyi, senior general manager for West Africa, Bolt, said, “Flexible earning opportunities  are becoming an essential part of how many Nigerians earn today. This report shows that ride-hailing is not just about mobility, it is helping people diversify income, manage financial uncertainty, and participate more actively in the digital economy.” 

From the presentation, the data show a labour market under stress but adapting quickly. Nigeria’s workforce has grown commendably, but formal jobs have not kept pace.

Youth unemployment is higher than the national average, pushing younger people toward gig work as a practical alternative.

The report notes that platforms provide low barriers to entry, allowing workers to start earning quickly, usually within days. For many, that speed is highly important as it fills gaps left by the formal economy.

“I like that I can earn daily, it feels good not depending on someone else’s schedule,” one driver said during the study.

At the policy level, government representatives acknowledged the sector’s indispensable role, describing ride-hailing as “a defining pillar” of the state’s transport system, adding that it is “creating jobs for thousands of drivers and offering mobility to millions of Nigerians.” 

Nonetheless, the event stressed that growth must be matched with regulation, pointing to ongoing initiatives around driver accreditation, vehicle inspection, and digital monitoring systems.

Beyond access to income, the report spotlights changes in living standards, with 64% of respondents saying their standard of living improved significantly, while another 31% reported slight improvement after joining gig platforms.

The report also shows how the gig economy is feeding into financial inclusion. More than 85% of ride-hailing transactions are now cashless, giving drivers access to banking records, loans, and digital financial tools.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, head of Regulatory and Policy for Bolt Africa, said, “As flexible earning opportunities become more common across Africa, there is an opportunity for policymakers, platforms and stakeholders to work together to ensure the gig economy continues to expand access to opportunity while remaining sustainable and inclusive.” 

Still, the report flags some gaps. Participation is heavily male-dominated, with 96% of ride-hailing workers men and just 4% women, highlighting a major inclusion challenge.

There are also issues around costs, with drivers speaking about expensive fuel prices and the pressure to stay profitable, even as platforms introduced fare adjustments and incentive schemes to cushion the impact.

At the Bolt flagship Gig Economy Report launch, the panel session, moderated by communications executive Edafe Onoriode, included speakers who agreed that the gig economy is no longer emerging as it is already impacting how Nigerians live and work.

“The gig economy is no longer the future of work, it is a present reality,” she said.

Gig work is acting as a shock absorber in Nigeria’s economy, taking in workers the formal system cannot absorb, and giving them a way to earn, however uneven that income may be.

The company surveyed more than 1,800 driver-partners across Nigeria, with 76% of drivers saying rudeness or verbal aggression is the top reason they give low ratings after a trip.

Payment disagreements came next, with 49% of drivers mentioning arguments over fares or payments. Safety followed at 42%, the same level recorded for cases where riders left vehicles dirty or caused damage.

What stands out is this, drivers are not focusing on traffic delays or route choices as much as people assume. Instead, everyday behaviour during the ride appears to be more important.

Speaking on the findings, Bolt’s Senior General Manager for West Africa, Teddy Appa-Dankyi, said: “Many riders are aware they rate drivers after trips, but fewer realise drivers also rate passengers. What this survey shows clearly is that respectful communication and consideration during trips significantly improve the experience for both drivers and riders.”

The survey is part of Bolt’s Driver Rating awareness campaign aiming to remind both sides that ratings go both ways and that small actions during a trip can affect the outcome.

Ride-hailing has become a regular part of city life, with the market valued at over $380 million in 2025 and could reach $477 million by 2029. Nearly half of urban users now rely on these services several times a week.

At the same time, challenges within the system have been increasing. Fuel subsidy removal in 2025 pushed up costs for drivers.

In March 2026, drivers in Lagos and Ogun halted operations over low fares and high expenses. That pressure has made interactions between drivers and riders more sensitive.

Bolt says driver feedback is essential to how the platform maintains trust. According to the company, simple things matter, such as being ready on time, speaking politely, and treating the vehicle with care.

“Ride-hailing works best when both drivers and riders contribute to a positive experience. Simple actions like being polite, ready at pickup, and respecting the driver’s vehicle can make a meaningful difference.”

Ratings go beyond feedback for drivers. They can affect how often they get trips and, in some cases, how much they earn. Bolt said its top 50 drivers earned N9.6 million in the first half of 2025, with strong ratings being a big part in that performance.

The training was organised with the FRSC RS7.1 FCT Sector Command and focused on improving safety for drivers, riders and other road users.

More than 100 drivers and couriers attended the sessions, with FRSC officials leading discussions on responsible driving, traffic law compliance and defensive driving techniques. They also spoke about fatigue management and the dangers of drunk driving.

Participants received guidance on key traffic regulations, including speed limits, seatbelt use and safe overtaking. The sessions also addressed alcohol-impaired driving and the risks drivers face when they operate without adequate rest.

Bolt says the programme is part of its goal to strengthen awareness among professional drivers and reduce avoidable crashes on Nigerian roads.

Speaking on the collaboration, Bolt’s head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno said the company sees safety as central to how mobility platforms operate.

“Safety is fundamental to how mobility platforms operate, and it goes beyond technology. Partnering with the FRSC allows us to equip our driver-partners and couriers with practical knowledge to navigate Nigerian roads safely every day. Our goal is to ensure that both drivers and riders feel confident using the platform while contributing to safer cities overall.”

During the engagement, organisers also referenced findings from Bolt’s Safety Perception Survey released last year. According to the survey, two-thirds of respondents believe ride-hailing services help reduce drunk driving by offering a reliable transport alternative.

FRSC officials say partnerships like this can improve road safety outcomes. The FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix N. Theman rsss, fnarc, welcomed the initiative and encouraged drivers to follow road regulations.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Continuous education and compliance with traffic regulations are critical in preventing road crashes. We commend Bolt for working with the Corps to sensitise its drivers and couriers, and we encourage all road users to prioritise safe driving practices at all times.”

The programme included presentations, interactive sessions and open discussions. Drivers asked questions directly and received clarifications on traffic regulations and safe operating practices.

Bolt and FRSC say cooperation between regulators and private mobility platforms can help improve driver behaviour and safety awareness.

Bolt added that it will continue working with authorities and driver communities to support road safety initiatives across Nigeria.

In cities like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, app-based transport now fills gaps left by overstretched public systems, connecting people to work, commerce and opportunity. 

Yet this growth has unfolded during one of the most difficult economic periods in recent memory, forcing the industry to redefine what sustainability truly means.

Few shocks have tested the sector more than the removal of fuel subsidy. The sharp increase in petrol prices fundamentally altered the economics of ride-hailing overnight. 

For drivers, fuel became the single largest and most volatile cost input, while riders faced rising fares in an already inflation-strained economy. 

Platforms were left walking a tightrope: raise prices too aggressively and riders drop off; absorb costs entirely and the model collapses.

This moment exposed a hard truth. In Nigeria, sustainability in ride-hailing is not primarily about long-term climate targets or futuristic technology. It is about economic survival and value creation in the present. 

Can drivers continue to earn in a way that justifies staying on the road? Can riders still afford reliable transport without being priced out? And can platforms maintain trust while navigating policy shocks they do not control?

In response, ride-hailing operators have had to become far more locally responsive. Blanket global strategies mean little in an environment where fuel prices can double within months and disposable income is shrinking. 

What has mattered instead are targeted, market-specific interventions designed to stabilise driver earnings and keep rides accessible.

This is where companies like Bolt offer a relevant Nigerian case study. Following the fuel subsidy removal, the company rolled out fuel-support bonuses and targeted driver incentives in cities such as Lagos and Abuja to cushion the immediate income shock. 

While these measures did not erase the broader economic pain, they played a critical role in keeping drivers active on the platform at a time when many were considering leaving altogether. In a two-sided marketplace, that stability is not incidental; it is foundational.

Beyond short-term relief, Bolt has also had to make hard adjustments around pricing and incentives to reflect Nigeria’s new cost realities. 

Regular price reviews, coupled with performance-based rewards for drivers, have been part of an effort to balance fairness on both sides of the marketplace. 

For riders, this has meant fewer sudden price swings and more predictable service availability. For drivers, it has meant clearer earning potential in an otherwise unstable environment.

These actions point to a broader evolution in the sector. Ride-hailing platforms in Nigeria are no longer simply intermediaries matching supply and demand. 

They increasingly function as shock absorbers within the urban economy, smoothing out volatility where possible and intervening when external pressures threaten to break the system. 

That role requires constant recalibration, local insight and a willingness to prioritise long-term participation over short-term margins.

The focus on drivers is especially critical. In Nigeria, ride-hailing is not a side hustle for many, it is a primary source of income. Platforms that fail to recognise this reality quickly lose supply, leading to longer wait times, higher fares and declining rider trust. 

By contrast, those that invest in driver communication, incentives and support during difficult periods are better positioned to preserve service reliability, even when the macro environment is unfavourable.

For riders, value creation has become equally pragmatic. Affordability, availability and safety now outweigh novelty or premium features. In a country where transport costs take an increasing share of household income, consistency matters. 

Platforms that can keep cars on the road, minimise cancellations and avoid extreme fare volatility are the ones that remain relevant.

As Nigeria’s economy continues to adjust, ride-hailing will remain under pressure from policy shifts, infrastructure constraints and consumer sensitivity. The lesson from 2026 is clear, resilience in this sector is built locally. 

It comes from understanding Nigerian cost structures, responding quickly to economic shocks and treating drivers and riders not as abstract metrics, but as participants in a fragile but vital ecosystem.

In today’s Nigeria, sustainable ride-hailing in 2026 is not about grand promises. It is about keeping drivers earning, keeping riders moving and keeping urban life functioning when the economy makes none of that easy.

The company’s latest figures show that movement into cities in the country has grown far earlier than usual this year.

Data from the platform reveals that between November 20 and December 5, airport trips in Lagos climbed by 14.9%, while Abuja saw an even steeper rise of 17.56%. 

The spike shows the early rush of Nigerians coming home, tourists landing for concerts and festivals, and families gathering for the packed holiday calendar.

The company says December usually triggers strong traffic around airports, but this year’s activity has been noticeably brisk. 

To keep pace, Bolt has increased driver presence at key terminals, tightened pick-up coordination, and issued fresh safety reminders to riders and drivers. I’ve seen this pattern each year, but the build-up appears heavier and more intense now.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s head of Regulatory & Policy for Africa, described the trend as a sign of the platform’s growing role during Nigeria’s busiest travel period. 

In her words: “We’re excited to see more people coming into Nigeria to enjoy Detty December, and our goal is to make their arrival as smooth as possible. Whether it’s riders heading from the airport to their hotels, events, or family homes, Bolt remains committed to providing reliable, convenient, and safe mobility throughout the festive season. 

“This season is all about connection, reuniting with loved ones and experiencing the best of Nigerian entertainment. Bolt is here to help people get to the heart of that experience, starting from the moment they land.”

With more arrivals expected in the coming weeks, the firm expects the rate to build. Bolt says it will continue to reinforce operations across all locations as the festive crowds reach their peak.

The launch supports Bolt’s broader commitment to delivering a high-quality ride-hailing experience built around safety, convenience, and everyday usability.

Family Profile is designed to make ride-hailing more practical for families and support networks. Internal data shows that 2–6% of Bolt rides are currently ordered for someone other than the account holder, often requiring manual coordination and sharing of trip details. 

The new feature simplifies that process, offering a built-in solution that allows customers to invite others to join their profile, set monthly spending limits, and receive live trip notifications. Members can request rides independently if they use the app, while the account holder retains oversight.

Family accounts do not change Bolt’s core policies around rider eligibility. Each member added to a Family Profile must have their own Bolt account and meet the platform’s minimum age requirement of 18. This means the feature cannot be used to book rides for unaccompanied minors. 

These age restrictions are in place for legal and safety reasons and ensure that all riders using the feature remain subject to Bolt’s existing terms and conditions.

The feature is especially helpful for parents, caregivers, or anyone supporting older relatives who may not use smartphones or ride-hailing apps regularly.

Data shows that ride-hail usage is growing fastest among older adults, but practical barriers, like app complexity or payment requirements, still limit adoption. 

Family Profile helps close that gap by letting one person handle ride management and payments for others, even if they don’t use the Bolt app themselves.

In addition to greater flexibility, Family Profile offers account holders enhanced financial control and peace of mind. They can monitor ride activity per member, receive real-time alerts when trips start or end, and take immediate action if needed, for example, checking a ride’s live location or contacting the rider or driver in the event of an unexpected route or stop.

The launch of Family Profile complements Bolt’s ongoing investment in building a world-class ride-hailing platform. Bolt engineers continue to improve the app’s routing, mapping, and usability to meet the evolving expectations of riders and drivers.

Family Profile joins a growing set of features aimed at building trust and enhancing platform safety.

Existing safety tools available in the app include trip verification codes, live location sharing, emergency assistance, and ride monitoring by Bolt’s dedicated Safety Team.

Osi Oguah, country manager, Bolt Nigeria said: “At Bolt, we want to make ride-hailing work for the way people actually move. Family Profile is a simple but powerful way to support others, whether that’s older relatives, or anyone you care about, without needing to coordinate every trip. It’s about control, visibility, and freedom in one feature, and we’re excited to bring it to our customers in Nigeria.”