Uber and Moove Drivers Push Back Against Doubling of Weekly Repayments in Lagos
Lagos drivers using Moove-financed vehicles on UberGo are staging protests after Moove doubled the weekly repayment on their cars, pushing many to the brink of financial strain.
Until last week, drivers paid ₦56,400 per week for the Suzuki S-Presso vehicles obtained through Moove’s hire-purchase scheme. That figure has now jumped to ₦112,200 per week, while the repayment period remains unchanged. The sudden hike has left drivers angry and uncertain about their future on the platform.
Why drivers are upset
Drivers argue that the new structure is not just steep but unfair. Out of the ₦112,200 now due weekly, only about one-third goes toward the actual vehicle repayment. The rest is swallowed by charges for insurance, maintenance, health cover, and other handling fees.
For drivers, this means that even after long hours on Lagos roads, little is left after fuel, Uber’s 25% commission, and personal expenses. Many now fear that they will barely break even or worse, default on payments and lose their vehicles.
Some drivers have already parked their cars in protest, refusing to log in on the Uber platform until Moove revises the decision. Others are demanding that Uber’s commission be reduced to 20% to make the business more sustainable.
Moove’s defense
Moove, which finances cars for thousands of ride-hailing drivers across Africa, says the increase is necessary. According to the company, rising inflation and higher costs of insurance, spare parts, and operations made the old repayment model unsustainable. Without the adjustment, Moove argues, the business could collapse.
However, drivers counter that inflation alone does not justify a 100% hike, especially without an extension of the repayment timeline. They also say the company failed to communicate or negotiate the change before enforcing it.
The bigger picture
The protest highlights a growing tension in Africa’s mobility fintech sector. Vehicle-financing startups like Moove have created opportunities for thousands of drivers to enter the ride-hailing industry without upfront costs. But with Nigeria’s inflation hovering above 20% and operating costs climbing, the fragile balance between company sustainability and driver livelihood is under pressure.
If drivers cannot afford to stay on the road, Uber risks losing supply in one of its busiest African markets. For Moove, reputational damage and rising defaults could undermine its ambitious growth plans after raising over $250 million in funding in recent years.
What’s next
For now, the protests are localized, but the risk of escalation is real. Drivers are calling for dialogue, and some have floated the idea of regulatory intervention to protect their interests. If no compromise is reached, Lagos could see prolonged disruptions in UberGo services.
The standoff raises bigger questions about fairness and transparency in mobility financing. Who bears the brunt of economic shocks in the ride-hailing ecosystem, the fintech lenders or the drivers on the road? The answer will shape not only the future of Moove and Uber in Nigeria but also the wider gig economy in Africa.
