Drivers kick as Bolt increases commission to 21% in Benin City, booking fee to 2.9%

A leading ride-hailing company in Nigeria, Bolt, has increased its commission in Benin City, Edo State. This was disclosed in a notice distributed to drivers and confirmed to Technext by the company.

According to the notice, the company’s commission will increase from 20 per cent of each ride fare to 21 per cent.

“Effective Thursday, 1 January 2026, the commission fee has been adjusted from 20% to 21%, inclusive of VAT. We recognise that commission fees impact your earnings, and this decision was not made lightly,” the notice reads.

Osi Oguah, Bolt Nigeria General Manager

Bolt also announced that the booking fee has been adjusted from 2 per cent to 2.9 per cent. While explaining that the new booking fee will be reflected in the trip balance breakdown, the company noted that the cost will not be charged to the drivers as it will be borne by the riders and added to the trip fare payable by them.

The company explained that the adjustments will be used to enhance its services, expand its user base, and invest in areas that benefit both driver partners and riders, such as safety features and rewards.

“We know that changes that affect your earning opportunities deserve transparency. We know transitions like these can be tough, and we’re here to support you,” the notice reads.

A Technext investigation revealed that Bolt has yet to announce these increases in other states, such as Lagos, Rivers, Abuja, etc. It is, therefore, unclear why the increase was only targeted at drivers in Benin City. While confirming the development to Technext, a company spokesperson, however, declined to give further comments.

AUATON condemns Bolt’s commission hike

The Edo State Chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has condemned Bolt’s commission hike, describing it as unjustifiable and unsustainable. This was disclosed in a statement to Technext by the state Chairman, Comrade Russell Eghaghe.

“We strongly condemn Bolt’s recent decision to increase its commission while refusing to adjust trip prices in line with current economic realities. At a time when fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and general living expenses have risen significantly, Bolt has chosen to introduce features such as ‘Wait and Save,’ which further reduce trip prices and directly impact drivers’ earnings,” the statement reads.

See also: Tax: e-Hailing drivers accuse inDrive of double taxation, reject FG’s 7.5% VAT

The chairman noted that the increase places an unfair burden on drivers who already operate under tight margins. He pointed out that Bolt does not provide vehicles for drivers, does not cover maintenance or repair costs, and takes no responsibility for damages incurred during operations. Furthermore, driver welfare—including health, safety, and financial sustainability—remains largely unaddressed. Despite this, the company continues to increase its commission, effectively shifting operational risks entirely onto drivers while maximising its own revenue.

“We believe it is unjustifiable for Bolt to raise its commission when it has not increased fares to reflect rising costs, nor provided meaningful support or protections for drivers. This policy undermines the dignity of drivers and threatens the sustainability of ride-hailing as a viable source of livelihood,” the chairman said.

The chairman further called for transparent engagement, fair pricing structures, and policies that recognise and protect the contributions of drivers, who are the backbone of the platform.

“A fair system must balance profitability with responsibility. Anything less is unacceptable,” he concluded.

The post Drivers kick as Bolt increases commission to 21% in Benin City, booking fee to 2.9% first appeared on Technext.