The Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has declared a three-day strike scheduled to begin on Sunday.
Mr Steven Iwindoye, the union’s Public Relations Officer, announced the action during a press conference held in Lagos on Sunday.
PlatinumPost reports that drivers using ride-hailing platforms in Lagos have continued to express concerns about what they describe as poor working conditions and unsustainable fare rates on the Bolt platform.
Iwindoye said the strike followed repeated complaints and lingering issues regarding the economic difficulties faced by app-based transport workers across the state.
“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 said.
He explained that the industrial action had become necessary to push for urgent reforms within the app-based transport sector.
According to him, drivers throughout Lagos will log out of all ride-hailing platforms during the strike period, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive and Lagride.
Iwindoye added that the action was not meant to inconvenience commuters but to demand fair treatment, economic sustainability and safety guarantees for drivers who provide vital transport services.
He further stated that the union had submitted 10 major demands to both the ride-hailing companies and relevant 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.
Others, he added, 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 union official said that once the three-day strike concludes, AUATON will assess the reactions from both the ride-hailing companies and the government.
According to him, the outcome of those responses will determine whether the strike will be suspended or extended indefinitely.
Iwindoye, however, apologised to residents for any inconvenience this action might cause, saying, “the union remains open to dialogue”.
He also urged the state government, regulatory bodies and the management of the ride-hailing companies to quickly engage with driver representatives in order to address the concerns raised.
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