Bolt Seeks Dialogue With Drivers Ahead Of May 1 Strike

Bolt, Nigeria’s largest e-hailing startup by market share, says it is seeking dialogue with driver representatives following a planned 24-hour strike by app-based drivers in Lagos, scheduled for May 1, over poor earnings and working conditions.

In an emailed response to PUNCH Online on Thursday, the Estonian ride-hailing operator acknowledged some of the concerns raised by the drivers and confirmed its openness to discussions aimed at addressing the drivers’ grievances.

The strike, announced on Tuesday by the Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, targets major operators including Bolt, Uber, In Drive, and others.

The union accused the companies of ignoring repeated calls for fair compensation, safer working conditions, and recognition of workers’ rights.

“We are actively working to engage with driver representatives to better understand their needs and explore viable solutions through open and constructive dialogue, ” the General Manager of Bolt Nigeria, Osi Oguah, said.

“We recognise the concerns raised around fares, commissions, and overall working conditions. These are important matters, and we remain committed to finding sustainable ways to address them. Our goal has always been to create a platform that is fair, transparent, and beneficial for all stakeholders.”

AUATON said its attempts to engage the companies in meaningful dialogue have been met with indifference, accusing operators of prioritising profit over drivers’ welfare.

While Bolt confirmed that it is in talks with driver representatives to “better understand their needs and explore viable solutions through open and constructive dialogue,” Uber had not responded to PUNCH Online’s inquiry as of press time.

The planned strike, timed to coincide with International Workers’ Day, could disrupt ride-hailing services across Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and a major market for mobility platforms in Africa.

Bolt made its entry into the Nigerian market in 2016, introducing a transformative, technology-powered transportation service to the country’s ride-hailing industry.

Founded in 2013 as Taxify by Markus Villig in Estonia, the company quickly expanded across Africa, launching in key markets such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya by 2016.

By 2025, Bolt had facilitated over 250 million rides in Nigeria, highlighting its commitment to safety and affordability with features like audio trip recording designed to safeguard both drivers and passengers.

Punch