Most Nigerians Now View Ride-Hailing as Safer, New Study Finds.
A new study has found that 81% of Nigerian passengers believe ride-hailing services are safer than traditional transport options. The survey, which covered major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan, points to a growing public confidence in app-based mobility across the country.
Safety and Convenience Drive the Shift
Respondents cited safety and convenience as the primary reasons for choosing ride-hailing. Key findings from the study include:
- 81% of respondents say ride-hailing is safer than conventional transport options.
- 96% opt for ride-hailing when other public transport feels unsafe — especially late at night or in unfamiliar areas.
- Many riders value in-app features: real-time GPS tracking, driver verification, and trip sharing were repeatedly named as important confidence-builders.
- Two-thirds of respondents reported that ride-hailing reduces the need for drunk driving by offering an accessible alternative after social events.
Women Represent a Large Share of Users
The study revealed a strong gender dimension: roughly 70% of ride-hailing users in the survey were women, concentrated in the 25–34 age group. For many women, ride-hailing functions not only as a convenience but as a safer, more reliable option for daily commutes and late-night travel.
Implications for Urban Mobility and Safety
This shift in perception has several implications for urban transport planning and policy:
- Public trust: High confidence in ride-hailing suggests gaps in the safety, predictability and after-hours availability of conventional public transport.
- Industry responsibility: Ride-hailing platforms and regulators must continue to invest in safety measures — including improved driver screening, clearer in-app safety features and timely incident responses.
- Everyday mobility: Frequent use by women and other riders indicates ride-hailing is increasingly an indispensable part of urban mobility rather than a luxury alternative.
"The growing public preference for ride-hailing underscores the need for collaboration between transport operators and regulators to maintain trust and ensure rider safety."
What Needs to Happen Next
Despite the positive trend, the report highlights areas where action is needed to maintain and extend the benefits:
- Better awareness: Not all riders fully understand or use built-in safety features. Providers should drive awareness and education around these tools.
- Stronger partnerships: Regulators, city authorities and ride-hailing firms should coordinate on standards, data sharing and incident handling to protect riders and drivers alike.
- Public transport reform: To address equity concerns, conventional transport systems should be improved so that safe, affordable options exist for all, not only those who can use smartphone apps.
In Conclusion
The study reveals a clear and growing preference among Nigerians for ride-hailing services when safety and convenience are priorities. For many urban Nigerians — particularly women — ride-hailing has become a trusted mobility solution. Sustaining that trust will require continued investment from companies and cooperation from regulators to ensure consistent safety, transparency and greater rider awareness.