Bolt, Uber Drivers Begin Three-day Strike in Lagos

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has announced a three-day strike starting Sunday, citing poor working conditions and unsustainable fares.

The union’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Steven Iwindoye, made the announcement during a news conference in Lagos on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that app-based drivers have raised concerns about economic challenges affecting their work on platforms such as Bolt, Uber, inDrive, and Lagride.

“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,” Iwindoye said.

He described the strike as a necessary measure to demand urgent reforms in the app-based transport industry.

“During the strike, drivers across Lagos will log off from all ride-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride. This action is not intended to punish commuters but to seek fair treatment, economic sustainability, and safety protections for drivers who provide essential transportation services,” he added.

Iwindoye noted that the union had presented 10 key demands to ride-hailing companies and 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 the 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 official said at the end of the three-day shutdown, the union would review the responses from the ride-hailing companies and the government.

He said what happens next would determine whether the strike would be suspended or extended until further notice.

Iwindoye, however, apologised to residents for any inconvenience this action might cause, saying, ‘the union remains open to dialogue.’

He called on the state government, regulatory agencies and the management of the ride-hailing companies to urgently engage with driver representatives to resolve these issues. (NAN)