The race for Nigeria’s ride-hailing market is heating up as Bolt and inDrive move to strengthen their operations following Uber’s sudden exit from the country after about 12 years. Uber announced its departure on September 2, citing changing business priorities and a shift in its investment focus across Africa. The move has created a fresh opening for competitors seeking to win over Uber’s riders, drivers and mobility partners.
For inDrive, Nigeria remains a key African market, with the company reporting continued year-on-year growth in its active user base. The platform said it remains committed to investing in service quality, safety, technology and local communities, while expanding beyond traditional ride-hailing through services such as Economy and Courier. Bolt has also reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria, saying it plans to continue supporting riders and drivers while strengthening its presence across several Nigerian cities.
The departure of Uber could also reshape the battle for drivers. inDrive said it was prepared to welcome drivers, fleet owners and mobility investors affected by the exit, offering opportunities to keep vehicles active and generate income through its platform. Bolt, meanwhile, said its long-term focus remains on building a reliable and sustainable mobility ecosystem. The two companies are effectively positioning themselves to fill the space left behind by one of the biggest names in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry.
One area where inDrive believes it has an advantage is pricing. The company said it charges a service fee of about 10 per cent and allows passengers and drivers to negotiate fares instead of relying on an algorithm to determine the final price. It said the model gives both sides greater control and could appeal to Nigerian consumers who remain highly sensitive to transportation costs.
But while competitors prepare to benefit from the Uber exit, drivers’ groups are demanding stronger protection. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria called for social dialogue, fairer fare and commission rules and clearer procedures for driver deactivation. The union warned that Uber’s departure exposed gaps in the regulation of app-based transport and urged government agencies to strengthen labour protections. With Uber gone, the bigger question may now be whether Bolt and inDrive can capture the market while giving drivers and riders the stability they need.
source: vanguard
