Bolt, a prominent ride-hailing and gig work company, has achieved a remarkable milestone in its Nigerian market after it announced that it has completed over 250 million rides since its launch in 2016. The company’s success was highlighted in a statement provided to Technext, which also revealed that clients using Bolt’s services have collectively traveled an impressive distance of 3 billion kilometers.
The statement emphasized that Bolt Nigeria has undergone substantial growth, experiencing a seven-fold increase since its inception in 2016. These accomplishments mark the company’s tenth year of operation in various global markets.
Yahaya Mohammed, the Country Manager of Bolt Nigeria, expressed the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service despite significant challenges posed by economic fluctuations. Mohammed affirmed their dedication to collaborating with driver partners, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to foster growth within Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector. The primary focus remains on providing users with safe, affordable, and reliable rides.
Aside the numerical milestone, Bolt Nigeria also announced the introduction of an initiatives to address gender disparities within the ride-hailing industry. The Women at the Wheel exchange program aims to empower women by offering them opportunities similar to those enjoyed by Bolt drivers. The company allocated €2.5 billion to support this initiative, responding to the underrepresentation of women in the mobility sector.
Also, Bolt Nigeria revealed another notable achievements in the introduction of the audio trip recording feature. This safety-oriented tool allows both riders and drivers to record their trips through the Bolt app, enhancing security during rides. The company also continuously updates its app and services to enhance user experience. A recent addition is the Scheduled Rides feature, enabling riders to book trips up to 72 hours in advance, albeit at a slightly higher cost for added convenience.
Despite these accomplishments, Bolt Nigeria has encountered challenges, most recently and significantly the effect of the outrageous increased petrol prices in the country which has taken a toll on drivers and escalated the cost of doing business.