Thousands of commuters across Lagos may face longer wait times and higher transport costs this week as drivers on popular ride-hailing platforms, including Uber and Bolt, begin a three-day strike. The protest, organised by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), highlights growing tensions in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector as drivers grapple with rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, and platform commissions.
Union officials say members are temporarily logging off ride-hailing apps to press for higher fares, reduced platform commissions, and improved welfare policies for app-based transport workers. Drivers argue that current fare structures no longer reflect economic realities, leaving them struggling to sustain operations despite long working hours.
Many drivers have expressed frustration over inflated petrol prices, rising spare-part costs, and platform commissions, which can reach 25 percent per trip. AUATON officials contend that fare models prioritise passenger discounts while leaving drivers to absorb most operational expenses.
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The union is also calling for enhanced safety protections, insurance coverage, and transparent communication channels between drivers and ride-hailing companies operating in Nigeria.
The strike is expected to significantly disrupt ride-hailing services in Lagos, where thousands rely on these platforms daily. The protest comes amid recurring tensions between drivers and ride-hailing companies, which intensified following the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023 and the resulting surge in petrol prices.
Ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt have grown rapidly over the past decade in Nigeria, offering an alternative to traditional taxis and commercial buses. The current strike underscores the urgent need for structural reforms in the sector to balance passenger affordability with driver sustainability.
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