Bolt has blocked accounts involved in fake ride requests between Nigeria and South Africa, addressing the digital conflict that saw users from both countries cancelling rides as they arrived. The ride-hailing company has restricted inter-country ride requests, aiming to protect drivers and restore order amidst escalating tensions.
Bolt, the ride-hailing service, has blocked accounts involved in a troubling trend where South African users order rides in Nigeria and then cancel them as drivers arrive. This practice has left many Nigerian drivers frustrated and financially impacted.
To address the issue, Bolt announced on August 22, 2024, that it has blocked several accounts participating in this behavior and restricted inter-country ride requests. The company stated, "Bolt is aware of the recent fake ride requests between individuals in Nigeria and South Africa. We’ve swiftly implemented measures to resolve the issue."
This trend started with some South African users mocking Nigerian drivers by sharing videos of canceled rides online, which sparked anger among Nigerian users. In retaliation, some Nigerians began to waste drivers’ time by engaging in similar behavior.
Yahaya Muhammed, Bolt's country manager for Nigeria, reiterated the company's commitment to its drivers, saying, "We understand the impact this situation has had on our driver-partners in Nigeria and South Africa. We are committed to ensuring a safe, reliable, and secure experience for all members of our community."
While Bolt has taken steps to curb the problem, Uber has not yet responded to the situation. This ongoing conflict may be linked to recent tensions between the two countries, including a controversy involving a Nigerian-South African model withdrawing from the Miss South Africa pageant over alleged xenophobia.
