In a surprising turn of events, a fierce rivalry has emerged between Nigerians and South Africans over the Bolt ride-hailing service.
This competition escalated when South Africans began ordering rides from Nigerian drivers, only to cancel them upon arrival.
In retaliation, Nigerians mobilized to book rides in South Africa, showcasing their numbers and online presence.
The situation intensified on social media, with users mocking each other and sharing their ride-booking successes.
This playful yet competitive spirit highlights the cultural dynamics between the two nations, often fueled by underlying tensions.
The backdrop of this rivalry includes Bolt’s recent suspension of over 11,000 drivers across Nigeria and South Africa due to safety concerns, following incidents of misconduct that have raised alarms about passenger safety.
As both sides engage in this “Bolt challenge,” the economic impact on drivers and the broader implications for ride-hailing services are becoming increasingly apparent.
Many are calling for a truce, recognizing that the stakes are high for innocent drivers caught in the crossfire of this digital skirmish.