The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, has announced a three-day strike starting Sunday, protesting poor working conditions and unsustainable fares on ride-hailing platforms. Union Public Relations Officer Steven Iwindoye made the announcement at a news conference in Lagos, stating that the decision followed prolonged complaints and unresolved concerns about economic challenges facing app-based transport workers.
Iwindoye said drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride face rising operational costs, including high fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses. “Unfortunately, fare structures and policies of these companies have not been adjusted to reflect these economic realities. Thousands of drivers now struggle to earn a sustainable income despite working long hours,” he explained.
During the strike, drivers across Lagos will log off from all ride-hailing platforms. Iwindoye stressed that the action is not intended to punish commuters but to seek fair treatment, economic sustainability, and safety protections for drivers who provide essential transportation services.
The union has presented 10 key demands to ride-hailing companies and government authorities. These include an immediate fare review to reflect current costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and inflation; reduction of commission percentages charged by platforms; introduction of a regulated minimum base fare to prevent extremely low-paying trips; and improved rider verification systems.
Additional demands include functional emergency panic buttons, rapid real-time response mechanisms to protect drivers from security threats, and comprehensive accident, health, and life insurance coverage for drivers while active on platforms.
At the end of the three-day shutdown, the union will review responses from the companies and government to determine whether the strike will be suspended or extended. Iwindoye apologised to residents for any inconvenience, stating that the union remains open to dialogue. He called on the state government, regulatory agencies, and ride-hailing company management to urgently engage with driver representatives to resolve the issues.
The strike highlights growing tensions in Nigeria’s gig economy, where workers classified as independent contractors bear increasing operational costs while platforms maintain commission structures that drivers argue have not kept pace with inflation and fuel price surges. The outcome could influence labour relations across the expanding digital transport sector.
