Public transportation in Nigeria has yet to fill the massive demand existing in the country. This is especially true in cities where the population increases due to constant migration of people seeking greener pastures. This gap has made the ride-hailing business in Nigeria viable. The transportation market is estimated to reach $380 million by 2028↗.
It is and will continue to be a flexible income opportunity for many Nigerians. But the challenge with this business opportunity is that many people don’t know how to get started. Additionally, unstable fuel prices and regulatory issues strangle a driver’s net earnings. This discourages many would-be Bolt drivers.
This article will highlight steps you can follow to become an approved Bolt driver in Nigeria. It will also explore Bolt driver earnings in Lagos.
Profitability of the Ride-hailing Business in Nigeria
The ride-hailing business in Nigeria converts time into money. Many people want to become a Bolt driver in Nigeria because of the attractive and flexible earning potential. Bolt is one of the well-known ride-hailing services in Nigeria and offers high earning potential. Bolt’s top 50 drivers↗↕ in Nigeria earned an average of ₦1.61 million every month↗. Driver earnings in Lagos and other major cities show there is a demand for the ride-hailing business.
Despite these huge opportunities to earn, there are challenges. Bolt charges drivers 20% commission↗ on every ride they complete. Drivers also spend a lot of money on fuel alone, and there is also the burden of maintaining their cars.
To become a Bolt driver in Nigeria and succeed, you must employ cost management tactics to maximise your earnings.
Step-by-Step Bolt Driver Registration Process
To become a Bolt driver in Nigeria, follow this sign-up process. It takes less than two minutes of your time.
1. Complete the Online Application
Visit the official Bolt driver sign-up page online↗. Fill in your personal details and select your city of operation. You will need an active email and a phone number.
2. Choose Your Driver Status
Select the individual Driver option if you will drive just your car.
But if you want to register more than one car, select the Fleet Owner option.
3. Upload Your Essential Documents
This is another important step in the Bolt driver registration process. Make sure to upload clear digital copies of all required personal and vehicle documents. This speeds up your approval. Bolt’s team will review your documents and carry out background checks. If your details and documents are accurate, your account will be activated within a week or two.
If you are approved by Bolt, you will receive an email with your login details. For a remote investor who wants to register as a Fleet Owner, Bolt has fleet portal management tools. This allows you to track your vehicles and monitor driver performance in real time.
Bolt vs Uber: Which One Pays More?
Prospective drivers often ask: Which platform offers better financial returns? To compare Bolt vs Uber which pays more, we need to look beyond fares. A closer look at the commission structure can show drivers’ take-home pay for Bolt and Uber, respectively. Bolt charges a 20% commission on each ride, while Uber’s commission is between 20% and 25%.
According to the report stated earlier, Bolt’s top 50 Nigerian drivers earned a monthly gross income of ₦1.61 million↗. That is 26% higher driver earnings of competitor inDrive for the same period. That means Bolt driver earnings in Lagos are more than Uber’s.
To answer the question satisfactorily, we also need to consider the availability of platform bonuses and ride volume. Bolt gives bonuses to drivers who have high customer ratings, further boosting their earnings. If drivers control fuel and maintenance costs, they will be sure to make more money driving for Bolt.
Key Bolt Driver Requirements in 2025
Meeting all the official requirements is important if you want to become a Bolt driver in Nigeria. The latest Bolt driver requirements in 2025 centre around driver documentation and vehicle quality. These requirements include the following:
1. THE Required Driver And Vehicle Documentation
- A valid driver’s license.
- State-specific permits, like the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) card. It is mandatory for commercial drivers in Lagoa State. For Abuja (FCT), you must have a specialised Hybrid Driver’s Licence for e-hailing operations.
- Vehicle Papers, such as Proof of Ownership and your Vehicle License, are required documents. You also need a current Road Worthiness Certificate.
- Third-party insurance. It is a legal option, but opt for comprehensive insurance. It protects your assets in the case of accidents.
2. Vehicle Eligibility And Inspection Requirements
Since your vehicle is your primary business asset, it must meet these standards:
- Globally, vehicles used for ride-hailing services must be within 12 years of age. For cities like Lagos, the vehicle requirements↗ are stricter. Sedans for ride-hailing must be manufactured in 2002 or later. SUVs, on the other hand, must be from 2001 or later.
- The car you want to use must have four doors and five seats with a functioning air conditioning system. This guarantees passenger comfort.
- Vehicles must pass a quality and safety inspection before being approved. This check is performed by a Bolt partner, such as AutoXRay/AutoGenius↗. When you adhere to all Bolt driver requirements in 2025, you will be approved and minimise downtime. You are also safe from regulatory fines.
Most importantly, when approved, drivers must focus on cost control to reduce downtimes. These steps will guarantee your success in the thriving ride-hailing business in Nigeria.
Read about How to Startup a Motorcycle Dispatch Business in Nigeria.
CONCLUSION
To become a Bolt driver in Nigeria, you must follow the step-by-step process discussed in this article. Start by logging in to the Bolt registration portal. Next, fill out the online application form. Speed up your approval by adhering to the Bolt driver registration process and requirements. For entrepreneurs who want to run a fleet, they must meet Bolt driver requirements in 2025.
Your success in the ride-hailing business depends on employing operational discipline and cost management. For more business ideas and financial tips, subscribe to the SimplVest Newsletter.
