ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber have transformed the transportation industry across Nigeria. Their convenience, ease of use, and real-time tracking features have made them household names. However, many entrepreneurs are now looking to replicate this success by launching localized or niche ride-hailing apps.
But one of the most common questions business owners ask is: “How much will it cost to build an app like Bolt in Nigeria?”
Let’s break it down.
What Does an App Like Bolt Include?
Before discussing the cost, it’s important to understand what features and components go into building a ride-hailing app like Bolt. Typically, this involves three major platforms:
- Passenger App – for booking rides
- Driver App – for accepting ride requests
- Admin Dashboard – for monitoring and managing users, trips, payments, etc.
Key Features of a Bolt-Like App
Passenger App
- User registration/login
- Ride booking interface
- Fare estimation
- Real-time tracking (GPS integration)
- In-app payments (card/wallet)
- Ride history
- Rating and reviews
- Customer support
Driver App
- Driver onboarding & KYC
- Accept/decline ride requests
- GPS navigation
- Earning reports
- In-app chat
- Ride history
- Ratings and feedback
Admin Panel
- Dashboard analytics
- User management (drivers & passengers)
- Trip and earnings management
- Dispute resolution tools
- Promo code management
- Notification control (SMS, push, emails)
Cost Breakdown in Nigeria (2025 Estimate)
The cost of building an app like Bolt in Nigeria depends on several factors such as the scope of features, design complexity, tech stack, and development partner.
Here’s a general estimate:
- Passenger App (Android/iOS): ₦5,000,000 to ₦8,000,000
- Driver App (Android/iOS): ₦4,000,000 to ₦6,000,000
- Admin Dashboard: ₦3,000,000 to ₦5,000,000
- UI/UX Design: ₦1,000,000 to ₦2,000,000
- Backend Infrastructure: ₦3,000,000 to ₦4,000,000
- Testing & Quality Assurance: ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000
- Third-Party API Integrations (e.g., payment gateway, maps): ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000
Total Estimated Development Cost: Anywhere from ₦17 million to ₦27 million, depending on the complexity and customization required.
For those who prefer a USD estimate, this ranges from approximately $11,500 to $18,000.
Tip: You can always start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) by including only the most essential features and scale up as your user base grows.
Other Costs to Consider
Aside from development, don’t forget to budget for:
- App Hosting and Maintenance: ₦300,000 to ₦1,000,000 annually
- Marketing and User Acquisition: ₦1,000,000 and above depending on your growth plan
- Driver Onboarding and Operations Setup: Variable cost depending on region and model
- Customer Support Setup: Depending on team size and communication tools
Should You Build In-House or Outsource?
Hiring a full in-house tech team can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s why many Nigerian startups and business owners choose to outsource mobile app development to experienced agencies like Appfur—Nigeria’s trusted app development company known for delivering high-quality solutions at affordable prices.
With Appfur, you can:
- Launch your app faster
- Work with experienced developers and product consultants
- Get ongoing technical support and scalability guidance
Ready to Build Your Ride-Hailing App?
If you’re serious about launching a ride-hailing app similar to Bolt in Nigeria, the best time to get started is now. Having a reliable tech partner can make the journey smoother and more rewarding.
At Appfur, we help entrepreneurs bring their ride-hailing ideas to life with world-class design, development, and support—all tailored to the Nigerian market.
Contact Appfur today for a free consultation and cost estimate.
Let’s build something exceptional—one ride at a time.
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