Amid growing security concerns across Nigeria, ride-hailing company Bolt has called on drivers and passengers to make safety a top priority. The company's Public Policy Manager for West Africa, Ewoma Jerry-Ogeme, made this appeal at a passenger safety meet-and-greet event in Port Harcourt. She emphasized that safety is a crucial aspect of Bolt's operations and that the company continues to invest in measures to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.
Jerry-Ogeme highlighted the need for greater awareness of safety measures and responsible conduct by users of the platform. She noted that seemingly minor disagreements between drivers and passengers could escalate into serious security incidents, hence the need for awareness and responsible interaction. The safety engagement was designed to educate passengers and drivers on appropriate conduct during rides, precautionary measures, and available channels for reporting concerns.
Bolt has implemented several safety features on its platform, including SOS and panic buttons, which enable users to contact the company's safety team when they feel threatened. Jerry-Ogeme said the company monitored trips on its platform and could use relevant trip information to respond to reported incidents. However, she clarified that Bolt was not a law enforcement agency and did not investigate criminal allegations, but provided relevant information to security agencies to support investigations and the resolution of reported cases.
The Director of Enforcement and Compliance at the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), Rosemary Orubo, also spoke at the event. She urged drivers, passengers, and other stakeholders to act responsibly and comply with applicable laws. Orubo emphasized that responsible conduct was essential to preventing avoidable disputes and protecting individuals from consequences that could undermine their personal and professional prospects.
Orubo stressed the importance of accurate records and transparent transactions, noting that digital platforms could promote accountability by providing electronic records of business activities. She encouraged drivers and other operators to view tax compliance as part of participating responsibly in the formal economy and contributing to public services and infrastructure. Orubo added that citizens and businesses had a collective responsibility to support economic development through compliance with their tax obligations.
Orubo outlined five principles for building a safer and more accountable mobility ecosystem: responsible data collection, appropriate use of personal information, digital protection, prompt reporting of safety and security concerns, and compliance with relevant regulations and tax obligations. She emphasized that a trusted mobility system required cooperation among ride-hailing companies, drivers, passengers, government agencies, and regulators, and that safety and accountability must become shared responsibilities rather than obligations imposed on one stakeholder alone.
The event was part of Bolt's efforts to engage with its users and stakeholders on safety matters. The company aims to promote a culture of safety and responsibility among its users, and to work with relevant authorities to ensure that its platform is used in a safe and secure manner. By prioritizing safety and accountability, Bolt hopes to build trust with its users and contribute to the development of a more secure mobility ecosystem in Nigeria.
Key points
- Safety is a crucial aspect of Bolt's operations, and the company continues to invest in measures to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.
- The event was designed to educate passengers and drivers on appropriate conduct during rides, precautionary measures, and available channels for reporting concerns.
- A trusted mobility system requires cooperation among ride-hailing companies, drivers, passengers, government agencies, and regulators, and safety and accountability must become shared responsibilities.
