Ride-hailing company Bolt has lamented significant financial losses due to a recent prank war between Nigerians and South Africans.
The company was forced to restrict inter-country ride requests and block numerous riders, resulting in substantial losses and service disruptions.
According to Country Manager Yahaya Mohammed, an internal investigation is ongoing to assess the financial impact. “An investigation will be done internally, and everything will be analyzed… We will have more restricted access, particularly for these two countries.”
Mohammed hinted at possible compensation for drivers who suffered losses due to the prank requests. “It will have to be on an in-depth analysis of the rides that were booked and kilometers that the drivers wasted… A communication will go out to drivers in the next few days.”
Communication Manager Femi Adeyemo confirmed the financial losses, stating, “Any disruptions are taken seriously, and we work diligently to minimize their impact on both our drivers and passengers.”
The prank war has exacerbated the complex relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, with both countries engaging in a battle of superiority on social media. The incident highlights the need for greater understanding and cooperation between nations.
