Ride-hailing Drivers Begin Three-day Strike in Lagos

Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON)
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State chapter, has announced a three-day strike starting this Sunday.

The union’s Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, made the announcement during a news conference in Lagos on Sunday.

The app-based drivers in Lagos have raised concerns over what they described as poor working conditions and unsustainable fares on the Bolt ride-hailing platform.

Mr Iwindoye said the decision came after prolonged complaints and unresolved concerns about the economic challenges facing app-based transport workers in the state.

He said, “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 also said the strike is a necessary measure to demand urgent reforms within the app-based transport industry.

The spokesperson explained that during the strike, drivers across Lagos would log off from all ride-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride.

According to Mr Iwindoye, the strike is not intended to punish commuters but to seek fair treatment, economic sustainability, and safety protections for drivers who provide essential transportation services.

He noted that the union presented 10 key demands to ride-hailing companies and government authorities.

According to him, these include immediate fare review to reflect the current costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and inflation as well as reduction of commission percentages by ride-hailing companies to ensure sustainable driver income.

He said it also included introduction of a regulated minimum base fare to prevent extremely low-paying trips and improved rider verification systems.

He added that others were functional emergency panic buttons, rapid real-time response mechanisms to protect drivers from security threats as well as comprehensive accident, health, and life insurance coverage for drivers while active on ride-hailing platforms.

The official said at the end of the three-day shutdown, the union would review the responses from the ride-hailing companies and the government.

He said what the result would determine the suspension or extension of the strike.

Mr Iwindoye, however, apologised to residents for any inconvenience the action might cause, saying, “the union remains open to dialogue.”

He called on the state government, regulatory agencies and the management of the ride-hailing companies to urgently engage with driver representatives to resolve these issues. (NAN)