Bolt Nigeria announces rigorous safety neasures for 2024, including NIN verification for riders

Bolt has announced its strategic initiatives for 2024, aiming to bolster safety and security measures for both riders and drivers.

Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed, shared these plans during a media briefing at the new Bolt office and Driver Engagement Centre in Lagos.

The key highlights of Bolt’s upcoming safety measures include the implementation of a National Identification Number (NIN) verification system for riders, scheduled for launch in 2024.

Additionally, the company will introduce random selfie verification for drivers operating on its platform to ensure the authenticity of driver profiles.

“In terms of major plans for 2024, we are looking to rider verifications to ensure that we also know who our riders are and authenticate anybody who is registering on the platform. This year we focused on verifying our drivers, making sure to know who they are. Next year will be about knowing who our riders are and making sure the platform is safe for both our riders and drivers,” explained Country Manager Yahaya Mohammed.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Senior Public Policy Manager for West Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa, emphasised Bolt’s commitment to data protection and privacy.

The company, equipped with Data Processing Officers (DPO) and a Data Protection Certificate issued by NITDA, assures users that it will not store their data. Instead, Bolt will use the information for immediate verification by crosschecking against riders’ National Identification Numbers (NIN).

This move comes in response to recent calls for enhanced safety measures from the President of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria, Comrade Adedamola Adeniran, who advocated for the use of NIN to verify passengers.

Bolt’s commitment to safety extends to its drivers, as the company introduces a random selfie verification system. This feature will require drivers to take spontaneous selfies through the app, ensuring that the registered driver is behind the wheel.

Yahaya Mohammed emphasised the random nature of the selfie verification process, stating, “It will be hard for the driver to schedule a fake profile because it is randomised.”

Bolt has further unveiled several safety initiatives, including a shift-limit feature to prevent driver fatigue, an in-trip insurance scheme to compensate for injuries or damages during trips, and a trip-sharing initiative for real-time GPS tracking.

Additionally, an audio trip recording feature has been introduced to serve as evidence in case of disputes between riders and drivers. This is similar to the Audio Recording Safety Feature by Uber Kenya in July.

The ride-hailing company remains committed to prioritising safety and security, anticipating that these initiatives will contribute to a safer and more secure transportation experience for all users.