Edo e-hailing drivers union, AUATON suspends secretary for working during strike

The Edo state chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has suspended its secretary after it was discovered he was working during a strike called by the union. Chairman of the chapter, Comrade Russell Eghaghe, announced while addressing his fellow drivers shortly after the end of Day 1 of the three-day warning strike.

While commending drivers who took part in the protest and urging them to remain focused on the goal, he said the secretary will remain suspended pending the completion of investigations into the matter.

“I saw what happened about the state secretary’s post, that he was working or something. I want to say that he is suspended for now while investigations are ongoing. So please, let all of us remain calm; the strike continues. We have done well today, and tomorrow is another day, which I want to encourage us and plead with us that we should not be distracted. We should remain focused,” Comrade Eghaghe said.

e-hailing drivers strike in Benin City

Technext reported that e-Hailing drivers in Benin City have decided to embark on a three-day warning strike starting from Monday, July 28, 2025. Comrade Russell Eghaghe said the warning strike became necessary because the pricing structure and commission by the app companies no longer guarantee livable incomes for drivers.

The situation, if not checked, has the potential to boil over, a situation the union is trying hard to avert.

“My table is full of drivers complaining bitterly about this issue. We have to step in to make sure we bring in some order; left to the drivers alone, this protest is belated. But we have to step in to maintain some balance because people are angry. How can you be buying fuel at almost #1,000 per litre, and a company like inDrive will be giving you rides of N1,500 or N2,000 from GRA Benin City to UNIBEN main campus,” he argued.

Today, the second day of the strike, witnessed huge participation from drivers who took to the streets of Benin to voice their protests. Carrying banners and placards, the drivers explained that their poor earnings, caused by ridiculous pricing and heavy commissions extracted by the app companies, is the reason for their angst.

See also: e-Hailing drivers in Edo state to commence 3-day warning strike from Monday,July 28

Speaking about the protest, one driver said he was very happy when he heard about it because it was long overdue. He said the turning point for him was when he visited the Bolt office out of frustration about the commission charged, and he was told nothing could be done.

“I am fully in support of this strike. Just last week, I went to the Bolt office in Akpakpava to complain about their commission because nowadays it is just too much. I met two workers there, and they told me that it is their new commission and that there is nothing they could do about it. I was angry. How can someone pick a ride of N2500 and then just remove N800 from it? And I will still have to buy fuel, maintain the car, buy data to work online, so what is the gain of working on the app?” he said.

He also expressed his willingness to volunteer any resources he could to make sure the strike and protests continue until the desired change is achieved.

Another driver expressed his angst while listing the myriad problems drivers are having to cope with.

“Drivers are facing a lot. Ridiculous prices, high commission, bad roads, lack of proper car maintenance because of expensive spare parts, and even engine oil prices are too exorbitant. Today and tomorrow’s strike won’t kill me. I stand in unity with other striking drivers,” he said.

The drivers’ strike and protest have reportedly led to a massive surge across Uber, Bolt and inDrive platforms in the state as demand has since overwhelmed supply.