The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has declared a mega protest in October that will see them shut down the Bolt and inDrive apps in Lagos. This is according t
The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has declared a mega protest in October that will see them shut down the Bolt and inDrive apps in Lagos. This is according to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the union, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez.
According to the statement, the mega protest is intended not only to draw massive attention to the plight of e-hailing drivers and other app workers, but it is also aimed at bringing the two major apps in the country, Bolt and inDrive, to the table.
Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez
The union noted that rising operational costs, vehicle financing obligations, fuel expenses, maintenance costs, insurance, data subscriptions, government levies and other daily expenses have placed enormous financial pressure on drivers. However, the app companies have refused to adjust their existing fare and commission structures to reflect these realities, creating serious concerns about the sustainability of the profession.
“The proposed Mega Shutdown is a structured and collective industrial action intended to draw the attention of relevant stakeholders, regulatory authorities and app-based transport companies to the legitimate concerns of drivers. It is a coordinated demand for fairness, transparency, dignity, welfare and sustainable working conditions for app-based transporters,” the statement reads.
The drivers’ union has also disclosed its core demands from Bolt and inDrive. Chief among them is a fare review, noting that app companies must review fares to reflect the prevailing economic realities and the actual cost of operating a vehicle. An acceptable fare structure must take into account the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, financing/remittance obligations, data costs, government levies, traffic and waiting time, and a reasonable income for the driver.
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The AUATON is also demanding a substantial reduction in commissions with a target of not more than 10 per cent, which will be subject to negotiations and a transparent explanation of any additional charges or deductions. The union also demanded an end to fare and commission manipulation, stating that any significant change to fares, commissions, subscriptions or other financial terms should be preceded by meaningful consultation with driver representatives.
The union is also demanding that Bolt and inDrive establish meaningful welfare structures for drivers, including health insurance, accident support, emergency assistance, retirement/social protection initiatives and driver support programmes.
Another demand is for transparency in trip pricing, with Bolt and inDrive providing clear and understandable information regarding passenger fare, driver earnings, platform commission, discounts, promotional deductions, other charges, trip distance and duration, and applicable pricing variables.
“Drivers should be able to understand exactly how the amount credited to them was calculated,” the union said.
Finally, the union is demanding proper rider verification to enhance driver safety. This includes consideration of NIN-linked identity verification, subject to applicable Nigerian privacy, data protection, and regulatory requirements. The objective is to reduce impersonation, fraud, robbery, assault and other security risks affecting both drivers and passengers.
The mega protest also aims to push for proper regulation of the e-hailing industry and create a framework for constructive negotiations between drivers, the Union, the government and platform operators.
The union recognises that one of the major challenges affecting participation in industrial actions is the financial vulnerability of drivers, as many of them operate under hire-purchase arrangements, rentals, daily remittances and other financial obligations. Consequently, staying offline for an extended period may expose some drivers to serious financial hardship.
“Rather than ignoring this reality, AUATON Lagos is proposing a strategic alternative. The Council shall engage credible Nigerian/local mobility platforms capable of providing drivers with an alternative operating environment where appropriate. The objective is not merely to replace one application with another. The objective is to promote an industry model that places drivers at the centre of its economic structure,” the statement reads.
AUATON task force member during a strike
The union noted that any local platform to be considered shall be subjected to proper evaluation, including fare structure, commission model, driver welfare provisions, safety mechanisms, payment transparency, customer support, data protection, driver participation in decision-making, dispute-resolution mechanisms, regulatory compliance and sustainability of the business model.
“No local platform should be presented to drivers merely because it is Nigerian or locally owned. It must demonstrate that its operating model provides tangible value and protection for drivers. This will ensure that the Mega Shutdown does not simply move drivers from one platform to another without addressing the underlying problems,” the union said.
It also said it is open to meaningful and transparent negotiations with inDrive and Bolt as regards positive improvements to drivers’ welfare management, upward fare review and reduced commission, as the purpose of this industrial action is ultimately to secure measurable outcomes, not simply to shut down operations.
