Drivers who operate ride-hailing services in Lagos, under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), have announced a three-day industrial action set to begin on Sunday.
The union made this announcement during a press briefing in Lagos, where its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Steven Iwindoye, addressed the media.
According to Iwindoye, this action follows months of unresolved grievances from drivers concerning deteriorating working conditions and a decline in earnings on various digital ride-hailing platforms.
Drivers associated with prominent companies such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride have consistently expressed their dissatisfaction with what they describe as unfavorable fare structures, particularly on the Bolt platform.
Iwindoye explained that the worsening economic realities have made it increasingly challenging for drivers to maintain their livelihoods.
“Drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride face rising operational costs, including high fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses.
“Unfortunately, fare structures and policies of these companies have not been adjusted to reflect these economic realities. Thousands of drivers now struggle to earn a sustainable income despite working long hours,” he stated.
He noted that the planned strike is intended to compel urgent reforms within the industry.
As part of their protest, drivers across Lagos will temporarily cease operations by logging out of all ride-hailing applications, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride.
Iwindoye emphasized that this action is not aimed at commuters but rather at securing fairer working conditions and enhanced safety protections for drivers who provide essential transport services to the state’s residents.
He revealed that the union has submitted a list of 10 demands to both ride-hailing companies and relevant authorities.
These demands, he said, include an immediate adjustment of fares to account for rising fuel costs, vehicle servicing expenses, and inflation, as well as a reduction in the commissions charged by the platforms to enable drivers to earn sustainable incomes.
The union is also advocating for the introduction of a regulated minimum base fare to prevent extremely low-paying trips and improved measures for rider verification.
Other requests include the deployment of effective emergency panic buttons, rapid real-time support systems to address security threats, and comprehensive insurance packages covering accidents, health issues, and life risks for drivers while they are active on ride-hailing platforms.
Iwindoye added that the union would assess the responses from both the government and the companies after the three-day strike.
He stated that the outcome of this assessment would determine whether the industrial action would be suspended or extended.
While apologizing to commuters who might be affected by the disruption, he stressed that the union remains open to discussions to resolve the dispute.
“The union remains open to dialogue,” he said, urging the Lagos State Government, regulators, and ride-hailing companies to urgently meet with drivers’ representatives to find lasting solutions to the issues raised.
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