Bolt sends strong message to Nigerians, few hours after Uber ends operations

Ride-hailing company Bolt has said it will continue operating in Nigeria despite the exit of its major rival, Uber, and the challenges facing the country’s transport industry.

Bolt said Nigeria remains an important market for its business and assured its drivers, riders and other stakeholders that it would continue to strengthen its operations and create more opportunities in the country.

The company made this known in a statement following Uber’s decision to stop its operations in Nigeria and Uganda from September 2, 2026.

Teddy Appa-Dankyi, Senior General Manager of Bolt West Africa, said the company remains committed to serving Nigerians.

“Nigeria remains an important market for Bolt, and we remain firmly committed to the country,” Appa-Dankyi said.

He added that Bolt had built a strong community of riders and drivers in Nigeria and would continue to support them while expanding its services.

According to him, the company understands that Uber’s exit may create uncertainty in the ride-hailing industry, but Bolt is focused on its long-term plans in Nigeria.

“We will continue working closely with our drivers, riders, regulators and other partners to contribute to a reliable, accessible and sustainable mobility ecosystem in Nigeria,” he said.

Uber announced on Wednesday that it would end its operations in Nigeria and Uganda after reviewing its business priorities and investments across Africa.

The company said its decision was limited to the two countries and would not affect its operations in other African markets.

Uber explained that it was focusing its investments on markets where it could create greater value for drivers and provide more earning opportunities.

The company also said its decision to leave Nigeria was not connected to the recent issue involving e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria had earlier denied reports that Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing operators were banned from operating at the country’s airports.

FAAN later announced that Bolt had been cleared to resume its e-hailing services at airports managed by the agency after a temporary disruption.

Following Uber’s exit, major ride-hailing options in Nigeria now include Bolt, LagRide and inDrive.

The development could reduce the choices available to riders and drivers who usually compare prices and services across different platforms.

Drivers who depended mainly on Uber may now have to move to other platforms or consider leaving the ride-hailing business.