Ridehailing changes how people move in Nigerian cities
A new Ride-Hailing Safety Index Report, commissioned by Bolt and conducted by IPsos, a research firm, has revealed the rising trust in app-based mobility across major Nigerian cities.
According to the report findings, 81 percent of Nigerian passengers perceive ride-hailing services as safer than alternative transport options.
This shift highlights a preference in urban mobility preference as Nigerians increasingly see ride-hailing as a trusted and secure mobility option.
Stephanie Kanyiri, Ipsos representative noted that the findings reflect an encouraging trend that 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 centers,” Kanyiri stated.
Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, director transport operations, Ministry of Transport, Lagos who represented Oluwaseun Osiyemi, commissioner for Transportation said, “The decision by Bolt to commission an independent safety perception study is commendable and forward thinking.
“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,” he said.
Osi Oguah, general manager, Bolt Nigeria reaffirmed the company’s core commitment to passenger well-being.
“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,” Oguah said.
“We will continue to invest in technology, partnerships, and awareness to ensure every ride on Bolt is not only affordable and reliable but also safe,” he stated.
Bolt stated that the insights from the report would directly inform future investments in safety education and technology innovation aimed at increasing the understanding and adoption of in-app safety features.
The study which surveyed users in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, and found that safety is the primary driver for adoption.
Nearly all respondents (96 percent) indicated they specifically choose ride-hailing when public transport feels unsafe, particularly for late-night travel, when navigating unfamiliar areas, or after consuming alcohol.
The data also confirmed that women make up the majority of the user base, accounting for 70 percent of ride-hailing passengers. Furthermore, two-thirds of respondents (66 percent) believe these apps actively help reduce drunk driving by offering a reliable alternative.
The credibility of the in-app safety features was cited as the key factor building this trust. Passengers singled out real-time GPS tracking (62 percent), driver verification (58 percent), and trip sharing (49 percent) as critical tools that enhance confidence.
