Some top drivers send their kids to school abroad – Bolt

As the debate about whether e-hailing drivers earn enough income to survive, leading e-hailing company, Bolt, has insisted that top drivers on its platform earn more than enough to survive. According to the company’s Head of Regulatory & Public Policy for Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, top drivers on the platform make enough money to send their kids abroad for studies.

The head of policy disclosed this during a panel session at the official unveiling of Bolt’s Gig Economy Report for Nigeria. According to her, many drivers are making real money on the platform; they just need to decide to be hardworking and manage their finances well.

“We have drivers that are making serious money. When we say top drivers, some top performers are sending their children to school abroad from gig work. It all depends on how you manage your finances and how you are able to push forward in the gig economy. So is it sustainable in the long run? Yes. In the long run, it really all depends on your grit and what you pour into it,” she said.

This remark comes even as the findings in the gig economy report pointed out that many gig workers in Nigeria, about 23 per cent, generally see e-hailing as a means to make supplementary income that stabilises their livelihoods, and not necessarily a primary source of income.

Bolt doubles down on ₦1.6 million monthly earnings

Recall that late last year, Bolt released the outcome of a report which says its top drivers earn a monthly average of ₦1,610,351. According to the company, this monthly income range puts it above its arch-rival, inDrive, which reportedly announced a ₦1.2 million monthly average.

See also: Bolt says top drivers earn N1.6 million monthly amid calls for improved welfare

Bolt also disclosed that its top 50 drivers each earned over ₦9.6 million in six months, an income which it says reinforces its industry-leading earning power, reflects its commitment to driver support, and reveals strong demand for e-hailing services. The company further stated that drivers take home 75 per cent of their total earnings.

“The earnings data reflect Bolt’s continued investment in driver support, incentive schemes, and operational improvements to ensure a rewarding experience for its driver community. These figures also highlight the growing demand for ride-hailing services in Nigeria, driven by increased urban mobility needs and rider trust in Bolt’s affordable, safe, and accessible services,” the company said.

However, the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON). refuted Bolt’s position, insisting that drivers only take home less than 4 per cent of their daily earnings. Describing Bolt’s claim as both unfortunate and misleading, the union said the claims do not reflect the difficult economic realities of drivers who navigate Lagos roads daily.

Describing Bolt’s earning breakdown as an oversimplification, Comrade Azeez explained that after Bolt deducts its 25% commission, drivers are left to shoulder multiple compulsory expenses that significantly erode their earnings.

These include fluctuating fuel costs, daily mobile data purchases required to remain active on the app, feeding during long working hours, and routine vehicle maintenance.

He also pointed out that many drivers operate under car partners or fleet owners, to whom they must remit weekly payments of up to ₦70,000, regardless of their earnings.

Beyond operational expenses, drivers in Lagos are also subjected to frequent levies, harassment, and fines imposed by various state task forces and agencies. These charges are unpredictable, unavoidable, and often paid out-of-pocket, shrinking drivers’ net income.

However, Bolt appears to be doubling down on its claim that top drivers are making more than a living income and are indeed achieving life goals with their earnings.