Drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and LagRide have commenced a three-day strike in Lagos, protesting low fares and rising operating costs.
The industrial action was announced by the Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria during a press briefing. Steven Iwindoye, the union’s Public Relations Officer, said the strike followed months of complaints from drivers struggling with worsening economic pressures.
According to the union, drivers are facing higher fuel prices, rising vehicle maintenance costs, inflation, and increasing living expenses, while fare structures on ride-hailing platforms have largely remained unchanged. The group said many drivers now work long hours but still struggle to earn a sustainable income after deducting platform commissions and operating expenses.
As part of the protest, thousands of drivers are expected to log off the ride-hailing apps for three days, temporarily reducing the availability of services across Lagos.
The union has presented 10 demands to the companies and government authorities, including a review of fares to reflect current economic realities, a reduction in platform commissions, and the introduction of a regulated minimum base fare to prevent extremely low-priced trips. Other demands include improved rider verification, functional emergency panic buttons, faster response to security threats, and comprehensive health, accident, and life insurance coverage for drivers while on duty.
AUATON said the strike is not aimed at punishing commuters but at pushing for fairer conditions and economic sustainability for drivers who provide essential transport services in the state. The union added that it will evaluate responses from the companies and regulators before deciding whether to suspend or extend the action.
As of the time of reporting, the management of the ride-hailing platforms had not issued official responses to the strike.
