The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has called on drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive platforms to withdraw their services, citing concerns about fares, commissions, welfare, and rising operating costs. The union said the planned industrial action would continue indefinitely until its demands were addressed. AUATON accused ride-hailing platforms of failing to adequately consider the economic realities facing drivers.
According to AUATON, drivers bear the costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, tyres, insurance, data, vehicle financing, and depreciation, leaving many struggling to earn sustainable incomes. The union said drivers had repeatedly raised concerns about fare structures, platform commissions, welfare provisions, and inadequate protection against arbitrary deactivation, but had yet to achieve meaningful changes.
Bolt has called for constructive dialogue with the union, saying it is committed to addressing drivers’ concerns and has proposed a roundtable discussion with AUATON and driver representatives early next week. The company said it recognised the economic pressures facing drivers and the need to maintain a sustainable environment in which they could earn and operate successfully.
Head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa at Bolt, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said the company took the concerns seriously and believed dialogue offered the best route to resolving the dispute. Aghadiuno said drivers were central to the ride-hailing ecosystem, and the company would focus on listening to drivers, understanding their concerns, and identifying practical measures to improve their experience.
AUATON called on the Lagos State Government, relevant federal authorities, and labour institutions to intervene in the dispute, warning that the industry could not remain sustainable if drivers providing the vehicles, labour, and other operational resources were pushed into financial hardship. The union said technology must empower workers, not become a tool for modern-day economic exploitation.
The proposed shutdown could disrupt ride-hailing services in Lagos if drivers participate in significant numbers. Its impact will depend partly on whether the planned engagement between Bolt, AUATON, and driver representatives produces progress before or during the industrial action. AUATON urged affected drivers to remain united, disciplined, and peaceful during the planned action.
The union is exploring alternative arrangements that would prioritise drivers’ economic interests, transparency, accountability, and independence. The position of inDrive on the planned shutdown and the specific demands raised by AUATON were not publicly available.
Key points
- The shutdown is over concerns about fares, commissions, and welfare.
- Bolt has proposed a roundtable discussion with AUATON and driver representatives.
- The proposed shutdown could disrupt ride-hailing services in Lagos.
