The police have urged leading ride-hailing platform drivers, Bolt, to always stay alert, and said there are specific situations that may affect their personal safety.

Commissioner for Police Cross River State, Gyogon Grimah, represented by ACP Adewalehinmi Joshua, said safety was a collective responsibility and the police were committed to continuing their duty to protect lives and properties.

He spoke as Bolt hosted a driver-led safety summit in Calabar themed: ‘Driving the Wheels of Safety – Securing the Future of Ride-hailing.’

Also speaking at the event, General Manager at Bolt Nigeria, Osi Oguah, said: “Our driver-partners are at the heart of our operations, and their safety is paramount. This summit empowers them to be active participants in shaping safety initiatives and ensuring a secure future for ride-hailing in Calabar and beyond. The safety of our platform is built on collaboration. It is testament to the power of working hand-in-hand with our driver-partners and regulators to identify challenges, share best practices, and create a safer ride-hailing experience for everyone.”

Commissioner for Transportation Cross-River State, Mr Ekpenyong Cobham who was represented by his Special Assistant, JD Agba said: “I commend Bolt for taking this proactive step to engage with their drivers and prioritise safety in Calabar. This summit demonstrates their commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to improve the ride-hailing experience in our state. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these discussions on the safety and security of both drivers and passengers.”

Meanwhile, the summit featured a series of interactive sessions, panel discussions, and workshops focused on safety procedures, gaining insights into drivers’ on-the-road experiences, and well-being. The sessions also included an in-depth look at Bolt’s in-app safety features and explored emerging technologies aimed at improving safety, road safety best practices as well as addressing challenges faced by drivers and law enforcement in ensuring safety on the road.