Uber and Bolt Drivers Suspend Operations in Lagos and Ogun States in Protest
Drivers operating through popular ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and In-Drive have temporarily halted their services in Lagos and Ogun states. This coordinated shutdown, which took place on Monday, was a direct protest against what drivers describe as excessively low fares and escalating operational expenses. The action was organized by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, a representative body for drivers across the country.
Union Directs Drivers to Log Out from Platforms
In a formal notice issued to drivers, partners, and fleet owners, the union instructed members to log out of all ride-hailing applications from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Monday. The notice, signed by the union's secretary, Yusuf Bamidele, explicitly advised against accepting or completing any trips during this period. Drivers were also encouraged to maintain peaceful conduct while inviting their colleagues to participate in the protest, emphasizing unity and collective action.
Protest Aims to Highlight Welfare and Safety Concerns
The union stated that this shutdown is part of a broader effort to address critical issues affecting the welfare of app-based drivers and the sustainability of ride-hailing services in Nigeria. According to the notice, the protest seeks to draw attention to:
- Low fares that do not adequately compensate drivers for their work.
- Increasing operational costs, including fuel and maintenance expenses.
- Growing safety and security risks faced by drivers while on duty.
Bamidele emphasized that the success of the protest hinges on the active participation and solidarity of drivers, partners, and fleet owners. The union has repeatedly raised concerns about poor working conditions, attributing them to the fare structures set by ride-hailing companies.
Background of Previous Protests and Industry Tensions
This is not the first time app-based drivers have taken collective action. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria previously organized a nationwide strike in July 2023, demanding better working conditions. Since then, there have been several demonstrations by drivers highlighting similar grievances. As of the time of reporting, neither Uber nor Bolt has issued a public response to the latest protest, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty.
Incident of Erroneous Charging Adds to Driver Frustrations
In a related development, a recent incident involving Bolt has further fueled driver and passenger frustrations. A Nigerian woman reported that Bolt erroneously charged her over N1 million for a trip from Ajah to Chevron in Lagos, a journey that typically costs between N6,000 and N7,000. This case underscores broader issues with platform reliability and pricing accuracy, which compound the challenges faced by drivers in the sector.
The protest in Lagos and Ogun states reflects ongoing tensions within Nigeria's app-based transport industry, as drivers push for fairer policies and improved working conditions. The union's actions highlight the need for dialogue between ride-hailing companies and their drivers to ensure sustainable operations and better welfare standards.
