Bolt Nigeria Denies 24% Commission Increase Amid Driver Protests

Bolt Nigeria has refuted claims that it has increased its commission to 24%. A spokesperson for the company clarified that the information circulating about a 24% commission rate, including VAT, is false. The company emphasized that its current commission rate remains at 20%.

The misinformation originated from a message purportedly sent to drivers, which stated that the commission fee would be adjusted to 24% effective from July 14. This message also mentioned an increase in the rider booking fee to 5%. However, Bolt Nigeria has denied sending this communication, asserting that it has no relevance to its operations in Nigeria.

The confusion arose from a message shared by a driver in South Africa, Donald Mokwena, based in Johannesburg. Drivers in South Africa have expressed concerns about the potential increase, which they believe would effectively raise the commission to 29%.

This denial by Bolt comes at a time when drivers in Nigeria are already protesting against their declining earnings. The commission fee is a significant factor affecting their income. During a Workers' Day protest, drivers under the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) threatened to switch to indigenous app companies if their demand for a 5% commission is not met. The union's PRO, Steven Iwindoye, criticized the current commission rates as exploitative and called for fairer treatment of drivers.

Recently, the Lagos State House of Assembly ordered ride-hailing companies, including Bolt and Uber, to ensure transparency in driver payments and commissions. This directive followed a petition by the Lagos State Council of AUATON, which highlighted concerns about financial impropriety. The assembly demanded evidence of commission and other payments to ensure compliance with their demands.

The ongoing battle between drivers and app companies centers on the fairness of the commission rates. Drivers argue that the 20 to 25% commission is disproportionately high given the services provided by the companies. They contend that they bear the brunt of the operational costs, including vehicle maintenance and fuel, while the companies only facilitate connections between drivers and riders. The drivers' economic stability is at stake, with many struggling to make ends meet due to the high commission rates.

If Bolt had indeed increased the commission, it would have been a significant setback for drivers who are already facing financial challenges. The company's denial of the commission increase is crucial in maintaining trust and stability among its driver base. The situation underscores the need for transparent and fair practices in the ride-hailing industry to ensure the well-being of all stakeholders involved.