Ride hailing company, Bolt has recorded a 92 per cent week-on-week increase in driver registrations in Nigeria following Uber’s exit from the country, as drivers seek alternative platforms to sustain their livelihoods.

The surge reflects increased interest in Bolt among drivers looking to transition to an established ride-hailing platform with an existing network of drivers and riders.

Bolt, which has operated in Nigeria since 2016, said the influx of new driver registrations would not lead to a relaxation of its onboarding, safety or conduct requirements.

The company said drivers previously suspended or blocked from its platform over serious safety violations, misconduct or other breaches of its standards would not be automatically reinstated because of the increased demand.

Senior General Manager, Bolt West Africa, Teddy Appa-Dankyi, said the increase demonstrated drivers’ confidence in the platform and the opportunities it offers.

“We are encouraged by the strong increase in interest from drivers looking to join Bolt. It demonstrates the confidence drivers have in our platform and the opportunities we provide. However, growth cannot come at the expense of safety,” he said.

According to him, every driver seeking to join the platform must continue to satisfy Bolt’s established onboarding and safety requirements.

“Every driver who joins Bolt must meet our onboarding and safety requirements, and those standards remain unchanged. We have also maintained our position on drivers who were previously blocked or suspended for serious violations or unacceptable behaviour.

“We will not compromise those standards simply because there is an influx of drivers looking for opportunities,” Appa-Dankyi said.

The development comes as Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry adjusts to Uber’s withdrawal from the market after about 12 years of operations, prompting drivers and riders to explore alternative platforms.

For drivers, Bolt said its established presence in the country provides an opportunity to transition to a platform with an existing rider base and established demand.

The company added that riders would continue to have access to mobility services backed by its safety measures and operational infrastructure.

Bolt said it remained committed to Nigeria and would continue investing in its platform and driver community as the country’s mobility sector evolves.

“The market may be changing, but our commitment to safety and quality remains constant,” Teddy added.