Members of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) have voiced strong opposition to Bolt’s recent announcement claiming its app as the most downloaded travel and e-mobility application in Nigeria.
In a formal response addressed to Technext and signed by Steven Iwindoye, the Lagos Chapter Public Relations Officer of AUATON, the union criticized Bolt for highlighting download statistics as a marker of success, while ignoring the harsh realities faced by the drivers who power the platform.
“We, the drivers and transport workers who keep this system running, refuse to remain silent. How does boasting about app downloads translate into putting food on our tables? How does it address the daily struggles we endure?” the union questioned.
AUATON highlighted that behind Bolt’s celebrated download figures lies a company that exploits its drivers through what they describe as a “draconian commission structure.” Drivers reportedly endure long hours on the road while surrendering a significant portion of their earnings to the company.
“The drivers bear all the risks, yet the company reaps the profits,” the union emphasized.
Further grievances were raised regarding Bolt’s disciplinary measures, which the union claims are unjust and heavily skewed against drivers. They pointed out that accounts are frequently suspended without due process, penalties are imposed arbitrarily, and the rating system is biased, leaving drivers vulnerable to unfair treatment.
AUATON also condemned Bolt’s touted safety initiatives, such as “dashcams” and “safety funds,” arguing that these features are superficial and fail to protect drivers from frequent incidents of robbery, assault, harassment, and police intimidation.
“Bolt lacks a tangible, on-the-ground framework to safeguard drivers beyond app-based features that serve more as public relations tools than real protection,” the union stated.
The union further criticized Bolt for neglecting fundamental welfare provisions such as health insurance, pension schemes, and accident coverage for drivers. They lamented that families of drivers injured or killed while working are left unsupported, while the company focuses on superficial PR campaigns instead of meaningful solutions.
“Innovations like ‘family profile’ and ‘cloud dashcams’ may sound progressive, but they fail to address the core issues drivers face-low pay, inadequate incentives, security risks, and exploitative fees,” the union remarked.
AUATON urges Bolt to recognize meaningful achievements
Earlier in 2025, Bolt announced it had become the most downloaded travel and mobility app in Nigeria, citing data from digital analytics firm Sensor Tower.
Related: Bolt tops download charts as Nigeria’s leading travel and mobility app in 2025
Operating across more than 50 countries with a global user base exceeding 200 million, Bolt claimed this milestone places it ahead of competitors like Uber and inDrive within the Nigerian market. Nigeria was listed among 23 countries where Bolt achieved this status.
However, AUATON dismissed this announcement as a superficial attempt to enhance Bolt’s public image. The union declared that drivers are exhausted from being exploited and subjected to policies that hinder rather than help their livelihoods.
They challenged Bolt to celebrate milestones that truly matter-such as when drivers earn a fair wage without risking their lives, when no driver falls victim to crime while on duty, when driver families receive health and welfare benefits, and when company policies are transparent, equitable, and supportive.
“To Bolt, we say: stop the empty gestures, end the exploitation, and abandon harmful policies. If you aspire to lead Nigeria’s mobility sector, do so with fairness, respect, and dignity for drivers-not just through app downloads and publicity stunts. We stand united with Nigerian drivers and will continue advocating for their rightful treatment,” the union concluded.
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