A recent discussion online has ignited debate about gender differences in the way passengers interact with Bolt drivers, shining a light on the silent codes of ride-hailing etiquette in Nigeria and across West Africa.
The conversation started after a woman, active on TikTok, shared her observations comparing her own ride-hailing habits with those of a male colleague. According to her, both of them often take shared Bolt rides to their destinations, but she noticed a striking contrast in their styles of communication with drivers.
According to the woman, her male coworker typically greets the drivers with genuine warmth, initiates friendly banter, and even goes so far as to address them politely as “Mr,” particularly when it comes time to settle the bill. This approach stands out in an environment where many ride-hailing exchanges remain strictly transactional.
In comparison, she admits her own interactions are more reserved. Her conversations usually begin and end with the standard “good evening,” and she prefers to call drivers by their first name, as displayed on the Bolt app. The tone, she pointed out, remains formal and distant, rarely moving beyond basic pleasantries.
She said
While clarifying that her demeanor isn’t meant to be disrespectful, the TikTok user emphasized that the dynamic made her reflect on broader patterns of behavior, especially when considering how safety, comfort, and societal expectations influence the way women engage with ride-hailing drivers.
The Gender Divide in Ride-Hailing Etiquette
Her story quickly resonated across social media platforms, with many users chiming in to share their own experiences. Several women commented that they deliberately keep their tone businesslike as a basic precaution, especially in Nigeria’s major cities, where ride-hailing comes with concerns about personal safety.
“It’s not about being rude. I just want to keep things simple and safe,” explained Aisha Oladipo, a Lagos-based marketing specialist who commutes daily using ride-hailing apps. She stated that she tends to be straightforward with drivers to avoid misunderstandings, especially when riding alone after dark.
In contrast, some men reported feeling more relaxed about sparking up conversations. “For me, I enjoy chatting with drivers,” said Daniel Owusu, a Ghanaian tech worker based in Accra. “Sometimes it’s just to pass the time or to get their opinions on football or politics. It’s rarely awkward, and sometimes you even make a friend.”
Understanding the Motivations: Safety vs Sociability
Research and anecdotal evidence indicate that women often place a greater emphasis on maintaining boundaries with unfamiliar drivers, given the backdrop of occasional news reports on ride-hailing safety. According to a 2022 survey by DataBridge Market Research, over 60% of female ride-hailing users in Nigeria cited “personal security” as their primary concern, leading many to adopt a more formal tone.
Men, meanwhile, face fewer societal expectations regarding personal safety in these contexts, which might explain their comparative ease in building rapport with drivers. “Unfortunately, we still live in a society where women need to be extra careful,” commented psychologist and gender studies expert Dr. Oluchi Nwankwo. “This affects everyday interactions, even in something as routine as a taxi ride.”
Perspectives from Bolt Drivers in Nigeria and Ghana
Bolt drivers themselves also notice the contrast. “With some customers, especially the ladies, I just get short greetings and directions. With some men, they talk and ask about my day,” shared Emmanuel Attah, a Bolt driver operating in Abuja. He added that he tries to mirror the passenger’s communication style in order to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Other drivers, such as Kwame Mensah in Accra, prefer a less chatty approach regardless of gender. “It’s not my place to start conversations unless the passenger wants to talk,” Mensah explained. “Sometimes you meet people who are in a hurry, and sometimes they just want peace and quiet.”
Implications for Africa’s Growing Ride-Hailing Industry
With the rise of ride-hailing services—Bolt, Uber, and others—in West Africa, understanding these subtle social dynamics is more important than ever. In Nigeria alone, Bolt reportedly completed over 40 million rides in 2023, while ride-hailing in Ghana has become a staple for urban commuters. As more people rely on these services, issues of safety, gender dynamics, and professional boundaries are becoming central to the user experience.
Platforms have responded accordingly: Bolt Nigeria’s official website emphasizes driver-partner professionalism, and safety features like ride tracking and in-app emergency buttons have become increasingly common.
Global Context and Local Realities
Globally, the conversation around ride-hailing etiquette mirrors wider conversations on gender, safety, and mobility. Surveys from South Africa, Kenya, and even the UK reflect similar patterns, where women are more likely to restrain small talk or friendly exchanges due to safety concerns.
However, local realities can amplify these cautionary behaviors. For example, ride-hailing apps in Nigeria and Ghana have rolled out new policies on customer verification, with some even allowing riders to share trip details with friends or family in real time. Despite these improvements, societal expectations and lived experiences continue to shape everyday interactions.
Community Reactions and Ongoing Debates
The response to the TikTok video has been overwhelmingly lively. Some commenters argue that overly formal behavior might make rides more awkward, missing an opportunity for genuine conversation. Others maintain that a reserved tone is simply the smart choice, especially for women. A few even suggested mandatory etiquette training for drivers and riders alike to help foster more comfortable, respectful interactions for all.
According to transport analyst Samuel Adeyemi, “As ride-hailing becomes ingrained in Nigerian urban life, these conversations help us develop best practices that reflect our realities, not just imported norms.”
What’s the Way Forward?
While there’s no single “correct” way to interact with ride-hailing drivers, the ongoing dialogue points to the importance of recognizing and respecting different needs—whether they stem from concerns over safety, a preference for privacy, or a simple desire to connect in the hustle of daily life.
At the heart of the debate is a call for empathy from all parties—riders, drivers, and the companies who connect them. As users continue to shape the evolving norms of Nigeria’s ride-hailing culture, the hope is that these services can become more inclusive, secure, and supportive for everyone, regardless of gender.
Her candid observation has resonated with viewers, with many agreeing that men tend to show a more casual relationship with cab drivers, while women often maintain a more reserved or transactional tone due to safety concerns.
Watch the video below,
We want to hear from you! Have you noticed similar differences in how men and women interact with ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria, Ghana, or elsewhere? What approach do you think is best—friendly, formal, or something in between? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more stories like this.
Do you have a story or personal experience around ride-hailing, urban transport, or local trends you’d like to share or sell? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at story@nowahalazone.com to get your story featured or discuss story sales.
For general support, reach out at support@nowahalazone.com.
Follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram for more community updates and trending discussions!
