Ride-hailing drivers operating in Amuwo-Odofin and across Lagos have commenced a three-day strike to protest low fares, rising operational costs, and poor working conditions on platforms including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride.
Festaconline gathered that the industrial action which was announced on Sunday by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State chapter, came after prolonged complaints from drivers struggling with the increasing cost of doing business.
Union spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye, explained that rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, inflation, and daily living expenses have significantly eroded drivers’ earnings. “Fare structures and policies of these ride-hailing companies have not been adjusted to reflect the current economic realities,” he said.
Thousands of drivers across Lagos, particularly in areas like Amuwo, Festac, Mile 2, and Satellite Town, are expected to log off from all ride-hailing apps during the strike. Iwindoye stressed that the action is not meant to punish commuters but to demand fair treatment, economic sustainability, and improved safety protections for drivers providing essential transport services.
The union has presented 10 key demands to ride-hailing companies and regulatory authorities, including: Immediate fare review to match rising costs, Reduction in commission charged by platforms, Introduction of regulated minimum base fares, Improved rider verification systems, Functional emergency panic buttons with faster response to threats, Comprehensive accident, health, and life insurance coverage for active drivers
AUATON also warned that the strike may be extended depending on the responses from ride-hailing companies and government authorities. Iwindoye apologised to residents for potential disruptions and called for urgent dialogue to resolve the issues.
As of filing this report, management of Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride had yet to comment on the industrial action.
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