Bolt, one of the leading ride-hailing companies in Nigeria, has hinted at the potential start of National Identification Number (NIN) verification for riders by the fourth quarter of 2025. This was disclosed by the company’s Senior Public Policy Manager, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, during a media briefing in Lagos.
Plans for NIN verification
At the press conference, Weyinmi Aghadiuno noted that the company is actively engaging with regulators to develop policies aimed at enhancing safety in the industry. She emphasized that the implementation of NIN verification is one such policy the company is advocating for in collaboration with the driver’s union, AUATON.
Support from regulators and safety
Aghadiuno also highlighted the importance of regulation and associated policies to ensure overall safety. She mentioned that the Lagos State government is set to start NIN verification for public transport, which she believes will prompt other cities to follow suit. This requirement addresses drivers' longstanding requests for ride-hailing companies to verify passengers using their NIN, as they believe it will enhance safety.
History of previous attempts
Bolt had previously made attempts to implement NIN verification in 2023. The Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed, had previously stated plans to begin random verification for drivers and commented on the necessity of balancing driver verification with rider verification. However, the attempt was paused due to business considerations and the need for industry-wide regulation.
In conclusion, Bolt's plans for implementing NIN verification reflect the company's commitment to ensuring the safety of its services for both riders and drivers. The ongoing discussions and collaborations with governmental entities will be critical for the successful implementation of this policy.
