Drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms across Lagos have begun a three-day strike, citing worsening working conditions and fare structures that they say no longer reflect the economic realities of operating in Nigeria’s largest city.


The industrial action involves drivers using platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride.

The strike was announced by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria during a press briefing held in Lagos on Sunday. Union representatives said the protest follows months of complaints from drivers who argue that their earnings have steadily declined despite the rising cost of operating vehicles.


Drivers Say Earnings No Longer Cover Operating Costs

Speaking during the briefing, the union’s public relations officer, Steven Iwindoye, explained that drivers working on ride-hailing platforms are facing mounting financial pressure.


According to him, operational costs have surged significantly in recent months. Drivers now contend with higher fuel prices, escalating vehicle maintenance expenses, inflation-driven increases in daily living costs, and other operational burdens that directly affect their profitability.


Iwindoye said the pricing structures used by ride-hailing platforms have not been updated to reflect these economic changes.


Drivers operating on these platforms 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, he said.

He added that many drivers now work long hours but still struggle to earn income that can adequately sustain them and their families.


Drivers Log Off Platforms Across Lagos

As part of the strike action, drivers participating in the protest are expected to log off their apps throughout the three-day period.


Union officials said the shutdown is intended to push ride-hailing companies toward reforms that address driver welfare, fair compensation, and improved safety standards.


Iwindoye emphasised that the protest is not designed to inconvenience commuters but rather to highlight the economic challenges faced by drivers who play a vital role in Lagos’ transportation ecosystem.



Dispute Follows Earlier Complaints About Bolt Fare Structure

The strike comes shortly after AUATON raised similar concerns last week regarding fare policies on the Bolt platform.


According to the union, while the cost of running a vehicle has increased across the transport sector, fares offered to drivers on the platform have remained largely unchanged.


After deducting platform commissions and covering operating expenses such as fuel and vehicle servicing, many drivers are reportedly left with minimal earnings despite working full shifts.


This situation is not only unfair but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of hard-working drivers who depend on this work to support their families, the union said.

Union Presents 10 Demands to Platforms and Government


To address these concerns, AUATON has submitted a list of ten demands to ride-hailing companies and relevant government authorities.


Among the most urgent requests is an immediate review of fare structures to reflect current economic conditions, including fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and inflation.


The union is also pushing for:

  • Reduced commission rates charged by ride-hailing platforms
  • A regulated minimum base fare to prevent extremely low-paying trips
  • Improved rider verification systems to enhance driver safety
  • Functional emergency panic buttons within ride-hailing apps
  • Faster response mechanisms to security incidents

Accident, health, and life insurance coverage for drivers while they are active on platforms

Union leaders argue that these measures are necessary to ensure the sustainability of app-based transport services in Lagos.



The outcome of the strike will depend on negotiations.


Iwindoye said the union will evaluate the responses from both ride-hailing companies and government authorities after the three-day strike concludes.


The nextsteps,s including whether the protest will be suspended orextended, willl depend on the outcome of those discussions.


While acknowledging the disruption the strike may cause to daily commuters, the union issued an apology to Lagos residents and reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue.


AUATON also urged the Lagos State Government, regulatory agencies, and ride-hailing companies to open immediate discussions with driver representatives to resolve the dispute.

As of the time this report was filed, the management teams of the affected ride-hailing platforms had not issued an official response.

Rising Fuel Prices Add Pressure to Transport Sector


The dispute comes at a time when global energy markets are experiencing heightened volatility. The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran have contributed to a surge in crude oil prices in recent weeks.


In Nigeria, this development has translated into a sharp increase in petrol prices, which have risen by nearly 50 percent over the past two weeks.


For ride-hailing drivers who depend heavily on fuel to operate, the price spike has further intensified existing financial pressures.


Read More: Uber Exits Tanzania as Fare Controls Reshape Ride-Hailing Market


A Familiar Conflict in Nigeria’s Ride-Hailing Industry


This is not the first time drivers have clashed with ride-hailing platforms over fare structures.


A similar dispute occurred in 2023 after the Nigerian government removed the long-standing fuel subsidy, triggering a steep rise in petrol prices across the country.


Although ride-hailing platforms later adjusted their fare structures, many drivers argued that the increases did not adequately match the rising cost of fuel.

As a result, some drivers began negotiating fares directly with riders outside the app after accepting trips, an informal practice that has continued in parts of the ride-hailing ecosystem.

The current strike suggests that tensions between drivers and platform operators remain unresolved as Nigeria’s economic conditions continue to evolve.