Ride-hailing and e-commerce platforms are driving Nigeria’s gig economy to an estimated $5.17bn, according to a nationwide report commissioned by Bolt and conducted by Ipsos. The growth underscores how digital platforms are expanding access to flexible income opportunities in a labour market still dominated by informality.
The report released on Tuesday in Lagos highlights how limited formal employment opportunities and a continued reliance on informal work are pushing more Nigerians toward digital platforms as a practical way to generate income quickly and respond to economic uncertainty. With more than 92 per cent of employed Nigerians operating outside formal wage structures, the study underscores the growing importance of platform-enabled work as an alternative means of livelihood.
“Flexible earning opportunities are becoming an essential part of how many Nigerians earn today,” Senior General Manager, West Africa, at Bolt, Teddy Appa-Dankyi, stated. “This report shows that ride-hailing is not just about mobility; it is helping people diversify income, manage financial uncertainty, and participate more actively in the digital economy.”
Across gig economy segments, ride-hailing remains one of the most accessible and widely adopted entry points, accounting for 24 per cent of participation. Its relatively low barriers to entry, combined with strong demand for urban mobility, have made it a central pillar of Nigeria’s platform economy. At the same time, the growth of e-commerce has expanded opportunities in logistics, delivery and online retail support services, further deepening the reach of gig work across the country.
The findings challenge the notion that gig work is largely temporary. Nearly six in 10 participants, or 59 per cent, remain active in ride-hailing for more than one year, suggesting that platform-based work is increasingly serving as a sustained source of income rather than a short-term stopgap.
Youth employment dynamics are also shaping the expansion of the gig economy. While Nigeria’s overall unemployment rate has declined to 2.99 per cent, youth unemployment remains higher at 5.05 per cent, prompting more young Nigerians to explore platform-enabled income streams alongside education, entrepreneurship and migration planning.
The report places the gig economy’s contribution to national output at approximately 2.8 per cent of gross domestic product, reinforcing its emerging role as a meaningful component of Nigeria’s economic structure. As ride-hailing and e-commerce continue to scale, the sector’s contribution to growth and employment is expected to deepen.
Participation in gig work is also linked to improved living conditions for many Nigerians. According to the study, 64 per cent of respondents reported significant improvement in their standard of living after joining platform-based work, while an additional 31 per cent reported slight improvement, reflecting the income-stabilising effect of flexible earning opportunities.
Head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa at Bolt, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said the findings point to the need for stronger collaboration to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
“As flexible earning opportunities become more common across Africa, there is an opportunity for policymakers, platforms and stakeholders to work together to ensure the gig economy continues to expand access to opportunity while remaining sustainable and inclusive,” she said.
Despite its growth, the report identifies persistent gaps in participation, particularly among women, who account for just 3 per cent of ride-hailing participants. The finding highlights a significant opportunity for more inclusive policies, targeted incentives and platform design improvements to broaden access across under-represented groups.
Overall, the report positions ride-hailing and e-commerce as key drivers of Nigeria’s expanding gig economy, supporting income diversification, improving living standards and widening participation in the country’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Bolt operates as one of the leading ride-hailing platforms in Nigeria, providing affordable and efficient transportation services across numerous cities. Since launching in the country in 2016/2017, the company has grown into the largest on-demand network, driven by a focus on driver earnings, continuous product improvements and data-led expansion.
The platform currently serves more than 20 cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Enugu, Benin City, Jos, Uyo, Calabar, Abeokuta, Akure, Aba, Asaba, Warri, Zaria, Kaduna, Onitsha, Makurdi and Ilorin. It has also introduced innovations such as electric tricycles and fare negotiation features to help users and drivers navigate inflation and rising fuel costs.
Bolt said it has invested more than €50m in Nigeria across technology, marketing campaigns and human capital, with a business model designed to prioritise affordability while allowing drivers to retain between 80 per cent and 85 per cent of fares. The company also provides insurance protection for both riders and drivers nationwide.
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