Bolt Cuts Offline Trips by 42% in Nigeria After Safety Crackdown
TLDR
- Bolt Nigeria has seen a 42% drop in offline trips since tightening safety measures in November 2024, part of a global $107 million investment
- The ride-hailing company now uses algorithmic penalties to detect and punish drivers who divert passengers to cash-based rides
- Bolt says the new measures are designed to protect riders, improve trip traceability, and preserve trust
Bolt Nigeria has seen a 42% drop in offline trips since tightening safety measures in November 2024, part of a global $107 million investment aimed at curbing disputes, impersonation, and harassment linked to off-platform cash transactions.
The ride-hailing company now uses algorithmic penalties to detect and punish drivers who divert passengers to cash-based rides. Offenders face account suspension or reduced earnings. Bolt says the new measures are designed to protect riders, improve trip traceability, and preserve trust.
“If you’re not transacting within the app, you’re exposing yourself to danger,” said Osi Oguah, Bolt Nigeria’s General Manager. He urged riders to reject offline trip requests, which are harder to trace in cases of disputes or criminal incidents.
New and existing safety tools now include:
- Trusted Contacts (usage up 290%)
- Pickup PINs (5,000+ users)
- In-app emergency alerts, ride monitoring, and trip audio recording
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Key Takeaways
Bolt’s crackdown on offline trips marks progress in rider safety and platform integrity, but it also risks alienating drivers. With rising fuel costs and static commissions, many drivers previously used cash rides to supplement income and dodge platform fees. This change has intensified friction, with drivers protesting, threatening legal action, and adopting multi-homing strategies—using rival apps like Uber and inDrive to maintain earnings. Some may eventually exit Bolt entirely if profitability continues to shrink under tighter controls. Bolt has yet to disclose overall user or trip data post-crackdown, leaving questions about platform engagement. As enforcement continues, the company’s ability to retain drivers while reinforcing rider safety will be critical to sustaining its market share in Nigeria and beyond.
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