Bolt, inDrive drivers in Lagos to begin indefinite strike from October 12

Ride-hailing drivers on Bolt and inDrive in Lagos will begin an indefinite service shutdown from Monday, October 12, over earnings, platform charges and working conditions. The action was announced by the Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON).

The union wants the two companies to address concerns about driver income, welfare and the rising cost of running vehicles.

Why the drivers are shutting down

In a statement signed by its public relations officer, Steven Iwindoye, AUATON said drivers had continued to face financial difficulties despite raising concerns about how fares are determined and the commissions deducted from their earnings.

The union said the cost of operating a ride-hailing vehicle has climbed, with drivers carrying expenses such as petrol, repairs, tyres, insurance, internet data and vehicle loans. Those costs cut into take-home pay and make it difficult for many drivers to maintain their vehicles and earn a reasonable income.

AUATON is seeking fairer fares, greater transparency, better welfare arrangements and stronger protection against what it described as arbitrary deactivation of drivers' accounts.

Bolt proposes roundtable as strike looms

Bolt has responded to the planned shutdown by proposing discussions with the union and driver representatives early next week. The company said it understands the financial challenges drivers face and accepts the need to improve conditions for those who provide services on its platform.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt's head of regulatory and policy for Africa, said the company was willing to listen and work towards practical solutions.

"Drivers are central to the ride-hailing ecosystem, and we recognise the economic realities they are navigating. We take the concerns being raised seriously and believe the best way forward is through constructive, open and solution-oriented engagement," Aghadiuno said.

Bolt listed the issues raised by AUATON as driver earnings, operating expenses, platform fees, transparency and welfare. It said it is reviewing ways to improve drivers' experience and strengthen its support systems.

The company said the proposed roundtable would allow both sides to discuss the concerns and identify areas of agreement. It appealed to drivers to keep accepting trips while the talks are being arranged, adding that any resolution should take into account the needs of drivers, passengers and other participants in the industry.

Union calls for government intervention

Beyond its demands to the platforms, AUATON has called on the Lagos State government, federal authorities and relevant labour institutions to intervene.

The union argued that the long-term viability of the industry depends on drivers being able to cover their operating expenses and earn enough to sustain their businesses. It warned that technological innovation should not come at the expense of workers' financial wellbeing.

AUATON also said it is considering alternative arrangements that would give drivers greater independence and promote transparency and accountability.

The standoff comes in a tough stretch for Nigeria's mobility market. Moove, the vehicle financing and mobility company backed by Uber, ended its operations in Nigeria, closing in the same market where it was founded. That shutdown took effect roughly one month after Uber wound down its 12-year presence in Nigeria and Uganda following a review of how it allocates investment across Africa.