Amid growing public scrutiny of ride-hailing operations in Nigeria, Bolt has defended its marketplace model, emphasising transparency, sustainability and the need for fact-based conversations around driver earnings and fare structures.
Recent debates within the mobility sector have focused on pricing systems, platform commissions and the economic realities facing drivers. In response, Bolt said during a stakeholder meeting in Lagos it is important that discussions reflect the full structure of how ride-hailing services operate, rather than isolating commission percentages without broader context.
As part of its engagement with the media, the company provided a breakdown of a typical N5,000 ride in Lagos. According to Bolt, drivers earn over 75 per cent of the total fare, while the remaining portion covers platform commission and statutory obligations, including VAT and government levies. The company explained that its commission supports critical marketplace functions such as safety infrastructure, insurance coverage, customer support, app development and maintenance, as well as demand generation to ensure consistent ride requests.
Bolt noted that Nigeria’s current economic environment, marked by fuel price volatility and rising vehicle maintenance costs, has created pressure across the mobility value chain. It stated that pricing structures, driver incentives and product features are continuously reviewed to balance three key priorities: driver earnings, rider affordability and service reliability.
The company clarified that its briefing was not in response to any specific protest or action but part of a proactive effort to provide accurate information before misinformation becomes embedded in public discourse.
The Head of Regulatory & Policy Africa at Bolt, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said sustainable ride-hailing cannot be evaluated solely through the lens of commission rates. She stressed that the broader ecosystem includes investments in technology, safety systems and demand stimulation, all designed to help drivers maximise earning potential over time.
“Sustainable ride-hailing is not about commissions in isolation,” she said. “It is about ensuring that drivers can earn consistently, passengers can access affordable and reliable transport, and cities can depend on safe, well-functioning mobility systems.”
Bolt reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with drivers, riders and regulators, maintaining that transparency and collaboration remain central to building a resilient and sustainable ride-hailing marketplace in Nigeria.
