Uber, Bolt drivers log off apps in protest over low fares

Thousands of commuters across Lagos may face longer wait times and higher transport costs as drivers on ride-hailing platforms, including In-drive, Uber, and Bolt, begin a three-day strike to protest low fares and high platform commissions.

The protest, organised by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), involves drivers temporarily logging off ride-hailing applications to draw attention to what they describe as worsening economic conditions for app-based transport operators.

Union officials say the action highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector, where drivers say their earnings have been squeezed by inflation, rising petrol prices, and increasing vehicle maintenance costs.

Drivers participating in the protest argue that current fare structures on ride-hailing platforms no longer reflect the economic realities of operating vehicles in Nigeria.

According to AUATON representatives, many drivers now struggle to sustain their businesses despite working long hours on digital transport platforms.

The union said the strike is intended to pressure ride-hailing companies to review pricing structures, reduce commissions, and introduce policies that better support drivers.

Drivers cite rising costs and shrinking earnings

Drivers say their earnings have been significantly eroded by rising fuel prices, spare parts costs, and inflation in recent years.

Many operators claim that platform commissions, reported to be as high as 25 per cent per trip in some cases, have further reduced their take-home income.

According to AUATON, the current pricing model prioritises passenger incentives and promotional discounts while drivers absorb most of the operational costs.

Union leaders say this imbalance has made the ride-hailing business increasingly difficult to sustain.

Drivers are also demanding broader reforms within the industry, including improved safety protections, access to insurance coverage, and more transparent communication between ride-hailing companies and drivers.

They argue that the rapid growth of digital transport platforms in Nigeria has not been matched by policies that adequately protect the welfare of drivers who power the services.

Strike could disrupt ride-hailing services

The strike is expected to disrupt ride-hailing services in major urban areas, particularly Lagos, where thousands of commuters rely daily on app-based transport for work and other activities.

With many drivers logging off their apps during the protest, commuters may experience longer waiting times, fewer available vehicles, and potentially higher ride prices due to reduced supply.

Ride-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt have expanded rapidly in Nigeria’s urban transport market over the past decade, providing an alternative to traditional taxis and commercial buses.

However, the industry has also witnessed periodic disputes between drivers and platform operators over fares, commissions, and working conditions.

Tensions intensified following the removal of the petrol subsidy in Nigeria in 2023, which triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices and significantly increased operating costs for transport operators.

Drivers say the surge in petrol prices, combined with inflation and the rising cost of vehicle maintenance, has made it harder for them to remain profitable under existing fare structures.

AUATON said the current strike is intended to push ride-hailing companies to engage with drivers and adopt policies that ensure fair compensation and sustainable working conditions within the industry.

The union also warned that unless meaningful reforms are introduced, disputes between drivers and ride-hailing platforms could continue to disrupt services in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital transport sector.

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