Bolt, a ride-hailing startup, has announced that it will use the National Identification Number (NIN) verification mechanism for its users (riders) by 2024. During a media discussion that took place today at the company’s new office and Driver Engagement Centre in Lagos, the Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed, disclosed this information to the media.
Mohammed further disclosed that the company will introduce a random selfie verification system for drivers who are functioning on its platform. Additionally, these are some of the efforts that the company is implementing in order to enhance the safety and security of drivers and passengers when they are using the app for their commute.
“In terms of major plans for 2024, we are looking to rider verifications to ensure that we also know who our riders are and authenticate anybody who is registering on the platform. This year we focused on verifying our drivers, making sure to know who they are. Next year will be about knowing who our riders are and making sure the platform is safe for both our riders and drivers,” the Country Manager said.
Read also: Bolt Kenya terminates the contracts of 5,000 drivers
Bolt’s Data Protection and Privacy
While discussing data protection and privacy, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Senior Public Policy Manager for West Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa, elaborated on the fact that Bolt possesses its Data Processing Officers (DPO) in addition to its Data Protection Certificate, which was provided by the National Information Technology Development Authority (NITDA).
Due to the fact that the company only wants the data for quick verification, which can be accomplished by simply validating it against the riders’ National Identification Number (NIN), the company has decided not to save its users’ data.
“We are going to be crosschecking just to ensure that this number actually matches the user so that we are certain about who is being carried in the car. So, if there is any issue, we can now provide robust information to the police for any interrogation they may want to carry out,” she said.
The President of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria, Comrade Adedamola Adeniran, has advocated for the adoption of the National Identification Number (NIN) by e-hailing companies in order to identify passengers. This new development comes a few weeks after his appeal.
Earlier, three e-hailing drivers who were registered with the Uber and Bolt platforms were purportedly killed by gunmen in Port Harcourt and Abuja, according to a letter that was sent to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
“As a registered trade union with the responsibility to protect our members against preventable circumstances like this, we are making a call on the government, as a matter of urgency, through the Ministry of Transport, Science, and Digital Economy or any other relevant ministry to direct these app companies to capture National Identity Number of the passenger before ordering a ride,” Comrade Adedamola had said.
Bolt Plans Selfie Verification
In addition to the NIN verification, Bolt Nigeria announced the implementation of a random selfie verification system for drivers. By implementing this strategy, Bolt would have the ability to arbitrarily demand that a driver take a live selfie through the application. The face that is seen in the selfie will be compared to the one that is displayed on the driver profile in order to verify that it is the same individual.
The corporation claims that this is done with the intention of ensuring that the registered drivers are always the ones behind the wheel.
“The drivers will be required to take selfies at different times every week to verify that the profile matches what is on our platform to ensure that the right person is driving. It is now being implemented countrywide”, Yahaya Mohammed said.