Monthlyearnings of top Bolt and inDrive drivers surpass ₦1 million, fueling increasing discontent
Competition Heats Up in Nigeria's Ride-Hailing Market
In the bustling ride-hailing market of Nigeria, Bolt has emerged as a leader in 2025, with its top drivers earning an average of ₦9.6 million (approximately $6,300) in the first half of the year, compared to inDrive's ₦7.6 million (approximately $5,000). Monthly, Bolt's top drivers make around ₦1.6 million ($1,050), while inDrive's top drivers earn ₦1.2 million ($787).
However, this increasing competition has not been without its challenges. Ride-hailing drivers have expressed growing discontent due to rising fuel costs, perceived unfair commission structures, and inadequate platform support. In May 2025, drivers in Lagos even protested and threatened to quit services like Bolt, Uber, and inDrive unless their demands for lower commissions and improved conditions were met.
In response, Bolt is experimenting with a dynamic commission model in Lagos to reduce commissions for high-performing drivers. This move is aimed at addressing some of the drivers' grievances and retaining their loyalty.
The competition and driver dissatisfaction are partly driven by external economic pressures such as inflation and scarce job opportunities, making platforms like Bolt and inDrive important income sources but also sources of contention over pay fairness.
Emerging alternatives like EV-powered ride-hailing platforms, such as Foltï Technologies’ eDryv, are starting to make their mark, though their current market impact in Nigeria is smaller and focused on sustainability rather than driver income dynamics. Other platforms like Shride are innovating with pooling and promos but are primarily active outside Lagos in secondary cities.
Despite these challenges, platforms like Bolt remain in demand, as they provide earnings opportunities for drivers that are relatively high compared to the average Nigerian salary. This average earnings figure for Bolt's top drivers is 26% higher than inDrive's top drivers' average for the same period.
As the ride-hailing market continues to grow, projected to reach $380 million by 2028, it is clear that both platforms and drivers will need to adapt to the changing landscape. Drivers are increasingly "multi-homing," switching between apps to secure better deals, while platforms face pressure to keep rides affordable for riders and profitable for drivers.
Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying, with the Lagos State House of Assembly summoning major operators for hearings on labour practice violations. Detailed audits of driver contracts and earnings have also been mandated for major ride-hailing operators.
In conclusion, the ride-hailing market in Nigeria is a competitive and dynamic space, with Bolt and inDrive leading the charge. As both platforms and drivers navigate economic challenges, it is essential that they work together to ensure fair earnings and continued growth in this burgeoning industry.
In the course of this competitive ride-hailing market, a significant aspect that both platforms and drivers must address is the finance and business side, given the increasing costs and the pressure to maintain profitability. To retain drivers and adapt to the changing landscape, Bolt has started experimenting with a dynamic commission model in technology-driven ways, such as a dynamic commission model. This technology-backed strategy aims to mitigate some of the drivers' grievances and improve earnings, consequently fostering long-term loyalty and growth in the burgeoning ride-hailing industry.
