Safety, convenience fuel Nigerians growing reliance on ride-hailing platforms – Report

From late-night trips to navigating unfamiliar neighbourhoods, Nigerians are increasingly turning to ride-hailing platforms for commuting, to feel secure and convenient on the road, according to the Ipsos Ride-Hailing Safety Perception Survey commissioned by Bolt.

The survey revealed that nearly all users consider app-based transport a safer option than traditional public transport, particularly at night or in unfamiliar areas.

It showed that convenience is the leading factor influencing ride-hailing use in Nigeria, followed by safety, stating that many passengers highlight the flexibility, reliability, and ease of booking rides as key reasons for choosing app-based transport over traditional options.

The report also showed that 96 percent of users choose ride-hailing when they feel unsafe using other transport options, underscoring the sector’s rising importance in filling safety gaps within Nigeria’s public transport system.

“Nearly all Nigerian passengers (96 percent) report choosing ride-hailing because it feels safer than other transport options. The apps are most often used when travelling late at night, in unfamiliar areas, or when public transport feels unsafe, particularly among those seeking secure options for family travel or to avoid harassment,” the report stated.

“Most Nigerians (94 percent) have booked a ride-hailing trip for friends or family, primarily because the apps offer a more reliable and convenient option for safe travel. Many do so when loved ones are out late at night or in unfamiliar areas, reflecting strong trust in ride-hailing platforms for personal safety and accessibility,” the report stated.

According to the report, 81 percent of Nigerian passengers perceive ride-hailing as safer than other transport modes.

It explored perceptions of safety across dimensions such as driver trust, in-app security features, vehicle conditions, and contextual factors like late-night or post-event travel.

The survey also assessed ride-hailing’s role in reducing risks such as drunk driving in Nigeria, adding that two-thirds of Nigerians (66 percent) believe ride-hailing apps play a key role in reducing drunk driving by offering a safe and reliable alternative to driving under the influence.

While some note that impact varies by situation, most agree that the availability of ride-hailing encourages responsible decisions after drinking.

Beyond passenger experiences, the study considered environmental, social, and cultural factors shaping safety perceptions.

“Across Nigeria, safety-enhancing app features such as driver verification (58 percent), real-time GPS tracking (62 percent), and trip sharing (49 percent) play a crucial role in reinforcing passenger confidence.

“Nearly all users (97 percent) say these tools make them feel safer when using ride-hailing services, highlighting the importance of visibility, traceability, and accountability in digital transport,” the report stated.

It further showed that ride-hailing adoption in Nigeria is driven by a young, urban, and digitally active population, with women representing the majority of users, and that most passengers use ride-hailing apps several times a week, reflecting growing reliance on app-based transport for convenience, flexibility, and safety in everyday mobility.