Bolt targets Nigeria’s gig economy gaps with driver health insurance push

Ride-hailing firm Bolt has launched a new health insurance scheme for its drivers in Nigeria, aiming to address a major welfare gap in the country’s fast-growing gig economy.

The company said it is partnering with Bastion Health Limited to offer affordable and flexible health plans to thousands of driver-partners who use its platform.

The move highlights growing pressure on ride-hailing firms to provide more support for drivers, many of whom work independently and lack access to employer-backed healthcare.

Under the new scheme, drivers can sign up for discounted insurance through a pooled programme, allowing them to access lower premiums and broader benefits than typical individual plans. The cover also extends to family members, giving drivers the option to include dependents.

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“Driver wellbeing is critical to the long-term health of the mobility ecosystem. This partnership with Bastion Health is designed to make quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for drivers, helping them protect their health while continuing to earn on the platform. By negotiating group benefits for drivers, we’re able to lower barriers to healthcare access and create meaningful support for our driver community,” said Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s head of regulatory and policy in Africa.

Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by high unemployment and rising demand for flexible work. However, most drivers operate in the informal economy, where access to healthcare and social protection remains limited.

Bolt said its partnership with Bastion Health uses a digital platform that allows drivers to enroll, manage their plans, and access services more easily. The company added that the insurance plans are designed to avoid long waiting periods, a common challenge with traditional policies.

Industry analysts say such initiatives could become a key differentiator as competition for drivers increases among ride-hailing platforms operating in Nigeria.

Bolt said improving access to healthcare could also have wider benefits, including safer roads, as healthier drivers are better able to work and make decisions behind the wheel.

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The company added that the insurance scheme is part of a broader effort to support drivers through partnerships that deliver financial, safety, and wellbeing benefits.

As Nigeria’s gig economy continues to grow, the move signals a shift towards more structured support systems for independent workers, even as questions remain about how far platforms should go in providing benefits traditionally linked to full-time employment.