Digitnomics 
By Nonye Ngoka,
Ride-hailing and logistics platform Bolt has warned customers against using its delivery service, Bolt Send, to transport drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items, as the company moves to strengthen compliance and improve safety across its e-logistics operations.
The company also advised users not to send packages valued above ₦50,000 through the platform, noting that Bolt Send’s insurance coverage is capped at that amount.
In a statement, Bolt said its delivery service was designed for everyday package deliveries, including documents, clothing, small gifts, forgotten personal belongings, and deliveries for small businesses. However, the company noted that it has observed cases where users attempt to send items that violate the platform’s terms and conditions.
According to Bolt, prohibited items include illegal substances, firearms and weapons, toxic materials, flammable products, highly fragile goods, and highly perishable items.
“Customers should not send items valued above ₦50,000, as packages delivered through Bolt Send are insured up to that amount. The company also prohibits the transportation of illegal items, weapons, drugs, toxic substances, flammable materials, highly fragile goods and highly perishable items,” the company stated.
The warning comes amid growing adoption of on-demand delivery services across Nigeria, with individuals and businesses increasingly relying on digital logistics platforms for same-day and last-mile deliveries.
Industry observers note that the rapid growth of e-logistics services has also created new compliance and security challenges, including the transportation of restricted goods and the misuse of dispatch networks for illegal activities.
Bolt said customers found violating its delivery guidelines risk having their accounts suspended or permanently removed from the platform. In serious cases, the company may also report offenders to relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation.
To improve delivery efficiency and reduce disputes, Bolt urged users to ensure that packages are properly packaged and sealed before pickup. The company also advised customers to keep parcel weights below 25 kilograms and provide accurate pickup and delivery information.
Bolt noted that customers share responsibility for ensuring that items transported through Bolt Send comply with the platform’s policies and applicable regulations.
Commenting on the development, Senior General Manager for Bolt in West Africa, Teddy Appah-Dankyi, said adherence to the guidelines helps create a safer and more reliable experience for customers, recipients, and delivery partners.
“Most deliveries on Bolt Send are completed successfully every day. Following these simple guidelines helps create a safer experience for everyone involved while ensuring the service remains reliable for users who depend on it,” he said.
The company encouraged customers to review Bolt Send’s delivery policies before placing orders and contact customer support whenever they are unsure whether an item qualifies for transportation through the platform.
As Nigeria’s digital commerce and logistics ecosystem continues to expand, industry stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on compliance, safety, and accountability to ensure that technology-enabled delivery services remain secure and trustworthy for users.
