Public discourse around ride-hailing in Nigeria has once again brought issues of driver earnings, fare pricing and platform operations into focus.

As these conversations gain momentum, the need to anchor them on facts rather than assumptions has become increasingly critical.

On this, the Head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, in an interaction with the media in Lagos, said Bolt has called for a more nuanced understanding of how ride-hailing fares are determined, the range of costs drivers shoulder and the responsibilities platforms assume in ensuring safety, consistent demand and dependable service delivery across Nigerian cities.

To clarify the economics of the sector, Aghadiuno said Bolt presented a breakdown of a typical N5,000 ride in Lagos, noting that drivers receive more than 75 per cent of the fare.

The platform’s commission, she explained, supports core marketplace functions, including safety systems, customer support, insurance coverage, app infrastructure, and demand generation.

The breakdown also accounted for statutory government levies and Value Added Tax (VAT), offering a fuller picture of how fares are distributed, she said.

The company stressed that current economic realities, particularly fuel price fluctuations and rising operating expenses, are exerting pressure across the mobility ecosystem.

In response, Bolt said it continually reviews fare pricing, incentives, and product features to strike a balance between sustainable driver earnings, rider affordability, and service reliability.

Aghadiuno clarified that the engagement was not prompted by any specific protest or incident, but was instead a proactive effort to share accurate information before misconceptions harden into public narrative.

She said: “Sustainable ride-hailing is not about commissions in isolation; it is about creating a system where drivers can earn consistently, passengers can access affordable and reliable transport, and cities can rely on safe, efficient mobility.

“At Bolt, driver livelihoods are central to how we approach pricing, incentives and product design. As a platform, we invest in demand generation, safety infrastructure, insurance, customer support and technology that help drivers maximise their earning potential over time, even in the face of rising fuel costs and broader economic pressures.”

Aghadiuno reiterated the company’s commitment to ongoing engagement with drivers, riders, and regulators, while maintaining transparency about how the ride-hailing marketplace operates in Nigeria.