7 in 10 Nigerian ride-hailing users are Women aged 25-34, a new Bolt study reveals

In 2025, an estimated 42 million Nigerians use ride-hailing services, with the market projected to exceed $477 million by 2029. A new Ipsos report commissioned by ride-hailing giant Bolt reveals that women make up the majority of these users, reflecting how safety and convenience now drive mobility choices across major Nigerian cities.

According to the November 2025 Ipsos study conducted in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, women aged 25 to 34 years account for 70% of ride-hailing users, while men represent just 30%. This gender imbalance points to a wider issue of insecurity in Nigeria’s public transport system, which has forced many women to seek safer alternatives. The report was presented yesterday at a press briefing, which brought together government representatives, mobility experts, and safety advocates to discuss insights from the study and Bolt’s ongoing commitment to safe, reliable urban mobility.

Many female passengers report switching to ride-hailing platforms to avoid the risks of harassment, assault, or even abduction. Incidents of verbal abuse, physical assault, inappropriate touching, and sexual harassment have made public transport unsafe for women. The 2022 #JusticeForBamise case—where Oluwabamise Toyosi Ayanwole was murdered in a BRT bus—became a painful reminder of the dangers women face in daily commuting.

The trend is not unique to Nigeria. In South Africa, another study found that 65% of women felt unsafe using public transport, while a May 2025 analysis showed that Lagos has one of the highest rates of harassment and violence against women in transit. Most Nigerian women who use ride-hailing apps are young professionals, relying on them for commuting to work, attending events, and handling business errands.

In Lagos, a separate survey revealed that 45% of female passengers had experienced sexual harassment on public transport, while 70% had witnessed it. Although ride-hailing services provide a safer alternative, concerns persist. Many women continue to take precautions such as avoiding late-night rides or travelling with companions to feel secure.

Globally, the challenge of safety in ride-hailing isn’t new. Uber’s 2018 U.S. safety report revealed that 81% of sexual assault victims in serious incidents were women. Lyft also disclosed thousands of assault reports between 2017 and 2019, including cases where drivers stalked female passengers after trips. These incidents highlight the global urgency for stronger safety systems within digital transport platforms.

In Nigeria, growing safety concerns have led to the creation of women-only ride-hailing platforms like HerRyde, designed to meet the specific needs of female passengers and drivers. Major operators are also taking action. Bolt, for example, has introduced several safety features, including driver verification (58%), real-time GPS tracking (62%), and trip sharing (49%). According to the Ipsos study, 97% of users say these features make them feel safer, emphasising the importance of visibility, traceability, and accountability in ride-hailing.

The Ipsos report emphasises that ride-hailing adoption is driven by a young, urban, and digitally active population, reflecting a growing reliance on app-based mobility for convenience, flexibility, and safety in everyday life.

As Nigeria’s ride-hailing market continues to expand, addressing women’s safety concerns has become both a moral responsibility and a strategic business priority. Women make up the largest share of users in this growing sector, and their safety will ultimately determine the future of urban mobility in Nigeria.