Three million people now work in Nigeria’s gig economy, and nearly a quarter of them are in ride-hailing, according to a new report by Ipsos commissioned by Bolt. At an estimated value of $5.18 billion, the gig economy is no longer a minor layer of Nigeria’s labour market, representing a significant and growing segment of employment in a country where prolonged inflation and shrinking formal job opportunities have pushed more young people into self-employment and digital gig work.
Ride-hailing ranks second only to e-commerce in gig-work participation, ahead of freelancing, micro-tasks, and remote work, Ipsos noted. Nearly six in 10 participants remain active for more than one year, suggesting that gig work is not merely a stopgap but a sustained source of income for many Nigerians. “Flexible earning opportunities are becoming an essential part of how many Nigerians earn today,” said Teddy Appa-Dankyi, Senior General Manager, West Africa at Bolt during the report’s presentation.
Across Africa, drivers’ motivations are consistent: in South Africa, drivers point to financial stability; in Kenya, independence and self-sufficiency; in Nigeria, the ability to earn extra income on demand. However, the appeal in Nigeria is increasingly colliding with reality. Higher petrol prices, naira depreciation, rising vehicle maintenance and spare parts costs, and fixed platform commissions are squeezing drivers’ margins. Fuel prices in Nigeria have risen from less than N1,000 to over N1,200 in 2026.
While 64 per cent of surveyed participants said their standard of living had improved, drivers also described working longer hours just to stay afloat. “I drive several hours just to recover costs, but every extra fare helps me keep the car and feed the family,” one surveyed driver was quoted as saying. Participation remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, with women accounting for only 4 per cent of ride-hailing workers in Nigeria, compared to markets like Kenya and South Africa where targeted inclusion efforts are beginning to shift the balance.
For policymakers, the implication is becoming harder to ignore. “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,” said Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa at Bolt. While the report noted that ride-hailing will remain a primary livelihood source for many, economic volatility and rising operational costs will continue to pressure drivers’ earnings. Platform innovation, including electric vehicle adoption and expansion into parcel delivery and food logistics, may offer respite.
