Nigeria e-hailing drivers accuse Bolt of misleading earnings claims

e-Hailing drivers in Nigeria have criticized Bolt for its recent claim that top drivers earn an average of N1.6 million monthly. The company, in a statement, cited a six-month average of N9.6 million for the top 50 drivers, calculated based on gross trip earnings including bonuses and incentives for consistent performance and high trip volume [1]. However, drivers have called this misleading, arguing it does not reflect actual net earnings after deducting operational expenses.

Comrade Ayoade Ibrahim, founding secretary of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), pointed out that the figures fail to account for Bolt’s commission and booking fees, which significantly reduce drivers’ take-home earnings. Using an example of a driver’s gross income of N1,066,431 in June 2025, Ayoade showed that after commissions and fees, the actual earnings were reduced to about N908,240 [1]. He also highlighted that drivers incur additional costs such as fuel, data usage, and vehicle maintenance, which are not included in the company’s reports.

Many drivers travel several kilometers before picking up passengers, incurring expenses not reflected in the company’s earnings calculation, which begins only when the rider is in the vehicle. Ayoade emphasized that the typical 10-hour workday exceeds the 8-hour labor law limit, yet such long hours do not translate to proportionate earnings. He calculated monthly expenses including fuel (N700,000), data (N10,000), maintenance (N80,000), and vehicle rental (N120,000), arguing these leave drivers with minimal net income [1].

The issue has also raised concerns about driver safety. Ayoade stated that the exaggerated earnings figures have led to a dangerous misconception that drivers earn large sums, making them potential targets for robbery. He described this as a “professional blunder and market misrepresentation” with real-world consequences [1]. Drivers have urged Bolt to provide a transparent breakdown of earnings that includes operational costs and to publish more accurate data.

Ayoade also called for the Lagos State House Assembly’s investigation into the e-hailing industry to include input from industry experts to better understand the challenges facing drivers. He noted that the industry has yet to see benefits from the N40 per trip road development levy introduced in 2020, raising questions about its utilization [1]. As the debate continues, the demand for accurate financial reporting and better working conditions for drivers is likely to remain a central issue in the industry.

Source:

[1] Technext.ng, “‘We are now targets for robbers’ – drivers slam Bolt’s N1.6m earnings claim”, (https://technext24.com/2025/08/06/drivers-slam-bolts-n1-6m-earnings-claim/)