Holistic Role of Government, Ride-Hailing Players, Drivers and Riders in Improving Safety

By Osi Oguah In Nigeria, the vehicle-to-population ratio remains relatively low, with just 60 vehicles per 1,000. Furthermore, of the 11.8 million vehicles in circulation, only 41% are privately owned, with ownership largely concentrated in urban centers such as Lagos and Abuja. These figures underscore the critical role of public and alternative transportation options for […]

By Osi Oguah

In Nigeria, the vehicle-to-population ratio remains relatively low, with just 60 vehicles per 1,000. Furthermore, of the 11.8 million vehicles in circulation, only 41% are privately owned, with ownership largely concentrated in urban centers such as Lagos and Abuja. These figures underscore the critical role of public and alternative transportation options for the majority of Nigerians.

Against this backdrop, taxi and ride-hailing services have become indispensable in Nigeria’s bustling cities, particularly in densely populated urban areas. The sector encompasses both traditional taxi operations, typically managed by a single fleet owner, and ride-hailing platforms that connect independent drivers with riders. These services play a vital role in providing accessible and affordable transportation for those without private vehicles or the means to afford personal transportation options.

The rise of ride-hailing services in Nigeria has revolutionized urban transportation, offering convenience and accessibility to millions. Nigeria has quickly emerged as one of the largest ride-hailing markets in Africa, with the industry experiencing explosive growth in just a few years. In November 2016, Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, began its journey in Nigeria with the launch of its operations in Lagos. Eight years later, the platform has significantly expanded its footprint, now operating in 33 cities across the country, making it a key player in Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry.

Today, the ride-hailing market in Nigeria has grown exponentially, driven by the country’s underdeveloped public transport system, high population, and rapid urbanization.

However, alongside its benefits comes the critical need to ensure safety for all stakeholders. Addressing ride-hailing safety in Nigeria requires a holistic approach, with collaborative efforts from the government, ride-hailing companies, drivers, and riders. Let’s delve deeper into the pivotal role of each stakeholder in fostering safer experiences for everyone.

The Government: Setting the Foundation for Safety

The government holds the primary responsibility of creating an enabling environment for safety through clear and enforceable regulations. To improve ride-hailing safety, specific actions such as regulatory oversight, licensing standards, technology integration, and awareness campaigns need to be taken. These measures will help develop comprehensive policies, stringent requirements for ride-hailing operators and drivers, ensuring only qualified and vetted individuals participate in the ecosystem.

Additionally, educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities while using ride-hailing services through public campaigns is equally important.

Ride-Hailing Companies: Leveraging Technology for Safety

Many would say the buck stops here and they won’t be totally wrong. As key facilitators, ride-hailing companies are uniquely positioned to enhance safety through innovation and customer-centric practices.

Enhanced driver screening, In-app safety features, driver training program, and customer support are the key contributions from the ride-hailing companies. These actions will ensure they conduct thorough background checks, criminal record verification, and periodic reviews of driver behavior to maintain high safety standards. Ride-hailing will never be safe without the ride-hailing companies implementing features like real-time location sharing, SOS buttons, and two-way ratings systems for drivers and riders to report concerns. Offering regular training sessions on defensive driving, conflict resolution, and emergency response to empower drivers with essential skills is also essential to safety as well as providing round-the-clock support for riders and drivers to address safety concerns promptly.

By prioritizing safety as a core value, ride-hailing companies can build trust and foster a culture of reliability.

Drivers: The Frontline Ambassadors of Safety

Drivers are the face of ride-hailing services and play a crucial role in ensuring safe experiences for passengers. Adhering to traffic rules, maintaining sobriety, and treating riders with respect are the things expected from every driver to create a secure environment. It is also important  for drivers to ensure vehicles are in top condition, equipped with safety tools like fire extinguishers and first-aid kits. By embracing a safety-first mindset, drivers can strengthen the trust between them and their passengers.

Riders: Advocates for Their Own Safety

Some might argue that riders are only meant to order a ride and the responsibility of the ride-hailing company and the drivers is to ensure the riders get to their destination safely. Well, riders also bear responsibility for their safety during rides.

Firstly, every rider should have vigilant behavior – Verifying driver details such as name, photo, and license plate number before boarding. Then it is expected of every rider to be familiar with the safety features. Respectful interaction during a trip is a two-way street from both drivers and riders. That is, both parties should maintain polite communication with each other and avoid confrontational behavior. Last but not least, it is important for riders to utilize feedback mechanisms to report safety concerns or commend good behavior, helping platforms maintain high standards.

By staying informed and proactive, riders contribute significantly to the shared goal of safe journeys.

What Next?

Improving ride-hailing safety in Nigeria is a collective journey that demands active participation from the government, ride-hailing platforms, drivers, and riders. When all parties embrace their roles and commit to a shared vision, the result is a safer, more reliable transportation system that benefits everyone. By working together, Nigeria can set a new standard for ride-hailing safety across the continent.

Oguah is General Manager, Bolt