Nigerians have urged ride-hailing companies to adopt bank-grade data protection measures to protect sensitive rider information.
They made the call at Bolt’s first-ever Passenger Safety Meet & Greet in Nigeria, which brought together passengers, drivers, regulators, Bolt business clients, media, lifestyle influencers, and members of the Bolt team for an open dialogue on safety and trust.
Discussions turned sharply to data privacy when riders voiced concerns about potential misuse of personal details, particularly reports of drivers taking screenshots of in-app rider information. Participants stressed that beyond physical safety, digital security is paramount in maintaining trust in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector.
Bolt used the platform to highlight its existing community-driven safety tools, including trip share, audio-trip recording, rider and driver verification, emergency assist, in-trip insurance, and 24/7 customer support. The company encouraged more users to take advantage of these protections.
Engr. Adebayo Olusoji, director of public transport commuter services, underscored the importance of collaboration, continuous education, and policy enforcement in shaping a safer urban mobility future.
One of the most powerful sessions focused on rider verification, data privacy, and AC disputes in the Economy (Basic) category trips. Passengers openly raised concerns around potential data misuse, including drivers capturing screenshots of personal information within the app. They called on Bolt to adopt bank-grade privacy protections and more transparent communications around how verification features work. Their message was clear: privacy and safety go hand in hand, and riders want to be assured that their data is in safe hands.
Bolt used the platform to spotlight its investment in community-driven safety tools (Trip share, Audio-trip recording, rider verification, driver verification, emergency assist button, in-trip insurance, 24/7 customer support), encouraging the ecosystem to leverage them.
Adding a unique, human-centered element to the day was an interactive role-play session that dramatized everyday challenges between riders and drivers, from fare disputes and air-conditioning etiquette to offline payment pressure. The session sparked lively, honest exchanges, reinforcing the importance of empathy, mutual respect, and clear communication in every ride.
Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s head of regulatory and policy, stated: “This is not just about enforcing platform rules, it is about putting people at the centre of the safety conversation. Our mission is to co-create solutions that reflect the real experiences of riders and drivers. Today’s forum shows that when we listen, learn, and act together, we can build a more respectful and secure ride-hailing experience for all.”
