Uber, Bolt drivers in Lagos and Ogun to embark on 3-day strike from tomorrow

e-Hailing drivers in Lagos, under the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), have announced a major strike action against the Uber, Bolt and inDrive apps. This was disclosed in a statement by the union signed by its spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye.

The boycott, billed to last from Monday, March 16, to Wednesday, March 18, is aimed at protesting the poor remuneration on the app amid increasingly difficult conditions.

The decision to embark on the shutdown comes after prolonged complaints and unresolved concerns regarding the harsh economic realities facing app-based transport workers across Lagos and Ogun State.

“Drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride continue to face rising operational costs, including the high price of fuel, vehicle maintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses. Unfortunately, the fare structures and policies of these companies have not been adjusted to reflect these economic realities. Thousands of drivers now struggle to survive despite working extremely long hours on the platforms,” the statement reads.

The union therefore considers this three-day strike as a necessary step to demand urgent reforms within the app-based transport industry. In line with that, it is presenting 10 critical demands to ride-hailing companies and relevant government authorities. Chief of them is the immediate adjustment of fare reviews to reflect the current cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and inflation in Nigeria.

The union also demanded a reduction of “excessive” commission, which now hovers around 30 per cent plus VAT. This would enable the drivers earn a sustainable income. The union also demanded the introduction of a minimum base fare to prevent extremely low-paying trips that undermine drivers’ livelihood.

See also: AUATON rejects Bolt’s ‘divide-and-conquer’ roundtable, demands increased fares

On the safety side, the drivers demanded an industry-wide rider verification system to guarantee security for them. They are also demanded insurance coverage, an end to unjust deactivations, transparent pricing systems, fuel price adjustment mechanisms recognition of the union and driver welfare programs.

Finally, it is calling for clear regulations that protect the rights and economic sustainability of app-based drivers.

“We sincerely apologise to residents of Lagos State for any inconvenience this action may cause. However, the public must understand that app-based drivers are facing severe economic hardship despite providing an essential transportation service,” the AUATON said.

AUATON’s strike action and drivers’ compliance

The unions said drivers would log off all e-hailing platforms (Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride) for three days. At the end of the three-day shutdown, it will review responses from the ride-hailing companies and the government.

Its conclusion will determine whether the strike will be suspended or extended until further notice.

One challenge that has always gone with previous strike actions is compliance. Even when they begin with vigour, the energy is usually dissipated after the first day as they scramble back behind the wheels.

See also: Instead, more drivers joined our platform”- inDrive clarifies impact of drivers’ boycott

Quizzed about how it intended to ensure compliance this time around, the Lagos spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye, said this time the union has put stronger coordination mechanisms in place to ensure improved compliance across Lagos and Ogun States.

They include extensive mobilisation across driver communities, parks, airport driver groups, and online driver forums across Lagos and Ogun State.

Thus it has been able to obtain strong commitments from drivers. It has also been able establish operational zones in both states, with designated coordinators responsible for mobilisation, communication, and compliance monitoring.

It has also put together a monitoring task force and driver engagement teams to engage with drivers who failed to comply or who aren’t aware of the strike.

“The union has established a Strike Monitoring Task Force and Driver Engagement Teams that will operate across major strategic areas in Lagos and Ogun State including airports, business districts, transport hubs, and high-demand ride locations. These teams will focus on engagement, awareness, and persuasion, encouraging drivers to respect the collective decision for the overall welfare of the driver community,” the union told Technext.

AUATON also said it has assembled teams of field coordinators who will provide real-time reports during the strike period to help track participation and address challenges quickly. It further pointed out that the strike is not just a temporary protest but part of a broader strategic effort to push for long-term reforms within the ride-hailing industry.

“We recognise that many drivers depend on daily earnings to support their families. However, the current system has made it increasingly difficult for drivers to survive despite working long hours. The purpose of this strike is to demand fair policies that will ensure long-term sustainability for drivers. We therefore call on all app-based drivers across Lagos and Ogun States to remain disciplined, united, and committed during this period,” the union said.

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