The strike, led by the Amalgamated Union of App‑Based Transporters of Nigeria, affects major ride‑hailing platforms including Uber, Bolt and inDrive.
Drivers are demanding a comprehensive fare review that reflects Nigeria’s soaring fuel prices, record inflation and what they describe as opaque and excessive commission structures. Many argue that the current operating environment leaves them unable to earn a sustainable living.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Thursday, Ayoade Ibrahim, President of the Africa Platform Workers Representatives and co‑founder of the union, said drivers have reached the breaking point. “Fuel prices have gone through the roof. Their commissions are too much. At times, Bolt takes 25%, other times up to 30%. We do not even know the actual commission because nothing is transparent,” he said.
Ibrahim explained that repeated attempts to engage the companies formally have been met with silence. “They call us independent contractors, yet they refuse to recognise our registered union. They have never once sat with us at the negotiation table,” he said.
The strike has enjoyed strong support across Lagos and Ogun State, following a similar action in Abuja last month. Ibrahim said most drivers have joined in, noting that many cannot afford to buy fuel regardless. “Even the apps themselves are feeling it. They do not have enough drivers on the platform during this protest,” he said.
Beyond fare adjustments, drivers are calling on companies to reduce their commission rates to 10%, arguing this would allow them to cover operational costs such as car maintenance, inspections and data use. Ibrahim rejected claims that fare reviews would burden riders. “Nobody wants customers to pay more. What we are saying is that companies should reduce their commissions so drivers can take something home,” he said.
With no formal response from any of the three major platforms, Ibrahim confirmed that while the strike formally ended yesterday, drivers are now preparing to begin picketing unless meaningful dialogue begins immediately.
–ChannelAfrica–
