Ride-hailing company Bolt has introduced a new safety enhancement for its driver-partners in Nigeria by turning smartphones into dashboard cameras through a partnership with US-based firm, Driver Technologies.

The new feature allows both in-car and front-facing video recordings using an app that transforms smartphones into dash cams—a tool many drivers have long requested to help resolve disputes and support insurance claims. As part of the initiative, Bolt is offering drivers one free month of access to the premium Driver app, after which they can continue with a discounted subscription of ₦4,810 ($3.50) per month. All recordings are stored securely in the cloud and can be accessed or shared when necessary.

According to Bolt Nigeria’s General Manager, Osi Oguah, the high cost of purchasing physical dash cams has been a major barrier for drivers. “Driver partners often express that having a dash cam offers them greater security and peace of mind,” he said. “However, many find the devices too expensive to afford.”

This rollout reflects efforts within African ride-hailing markets to localize global safety technologies, especially in environments where the cost of additional hardware can be prohibitive. Oguah added that the partnership with Driver Technologies enables drivers to access essential safety tools without the burden of high upfront costs.

The app is designed to function seamlessly in the background while drivers use the Bolt platform. Its picture-in-picture mode confirms that recording is active without disrupting ride operations. Through the Driver Cloud, users can store, retrieve, and share footage to support case reviews involving customers, insurance providers, or law enforcement agencies.

This new offering builds on Bolt’s existing suite of safety features, such as pick-up verification codes and the Trusted Contacts option. It also aligns with the company’s broader strategy to invest in safety improvements across its operations in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

For Driver Technologies, the partnership extends the company’s reach into emerging markets, with a commitment to providing technical support and data services for Nigerian users.

Founded in 2013, Bolt currently operates in over 600 cities across 50 countries, with more than 4.5 million drivers worldwide. The company noted that the Nigerian rollout is part of its ongoing mission to enhance driver well-being and safety across its fast-growing African network.