E-hailing drivers in Lagos are preparing for a major showdown with Bolt and inDrive, with the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria announcing plans for an October shutdown over fares, commissions and deteriorating working conditions.
The Lagos State Council of AUATON said the planned action would seek to get the two major ride-hailing platforms to negotiate with drivers over what the union describes as increasingly unsustainable economics within the industry.
Among its central demands is a reduction in platform commissions to no more than 10 per cent, alongside a review of fares to reflect fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, insurance, financing obligations, data costs, government levies, traffic delays and what it considers a reasonable income for drivers.
The union is also demanding greater transparency over how trip prices and driver earnings are calculated, improved welfare arrangements and stronger safety measures.
The proposed action could affect passengers across Lagos if a substantial number of drivers participate, potentially reducing the number of available vehicles and increasing waiting times.
Drivers Say Operating Costs Are Squeezing Earnings
At the centre of the dispute is the cost of operating an e-hailing vehicle in Lagos.
Drivers must contend with fuel, repairs, tyres, insurance, mobile data and vehicle financing or rental payments before calculating their actual take-home income.
AUATON argues that fare and commission structures have not adequately adjusted to those expenses.
Bolt currently states on its Nigerian driver platform that it charges a 20 per cent commission on the final price of each order, including cash and card rides and cancellation fees, although tips, bonuses and certain other charges are excluded.
AUATON wants commissions across the targeted platforms reduced to a maximum of 10 per cent, subject to negotiations, while demanding clear explanations of any additional deductions.
The union is also seeking greater consultation before platforms make significant changes to fares, commissions, subscriptions or other financial terms affecting drivers.
Welfare, Safety Added to Demands
The October action is not solely about fares.
AUATON wants Bolt and inDrive to establish stronger welfare structures covering areas such as health insurance, accident assistance, emergency support and retirement or social-protection programmes.
Driver safety is another major issue.
The union is calling for stronger passenger verification, including consideration of identity verification linked to the National Identification Number, subject to applicable privacy and data-protection rules. It argues that better identification could help reduce impersonation, fraud, robbery and assaults involving app-based drivers.
It also wants greater transparency on individual trips so drivers can clearly see passenger fares, platform commissions, discounts, deductions, distance, duration and other variables used to determine their earnings.
Demands Have Shifted Since May
The latest proposal represents a change from the union’s earlier position.
In May, AUATON petitioned the Lagos State Government over what it described as poor fares, excessive commissions, safety concerns and deteriorating working conditions.
At the time, the union proposed a commission ceiling of 5 per cent or a daily subscription model of between ₦500 and ₦1,000.
It also proposed that part of platform commissions should support driver welfare programmes, including health and vehicle insurance, pensions, housing support, soft loans and safety equipment.
The October proposal sets the commission target at no more than 10 per cent, suggesting the union is leaving room for negotiation with the platforms.
Previous Strikes Exposed Drivers’ Financial Vulnerability
One of AUATON’s biggest obstacles is maintaining participation in industrial action.
Many e-hailing drivers depend on daily income and operate vehicles financed through hire-purchase agreements, rentals or other arrangements requiring regular payments.
Staying offline for several days can therefore impose an immediate financial cost on the same drivers participating in a protest.
AUATON acknowledged that vulnerability in announcing the proposed shutdown and said it is developing a different strategy ahead of October.
The union plans to engage indigenous mobility platforms that could provide alternative earning opportunities for drivers during industrial action.
That could allow drivers to withdraw from Bolt and inDrive without completely giving up their income.
Union Looks to Nigerian Ride-Hailing Platforms
AUATON stressed that it would not automatically recommend an alternative simply because the platform is Nigerian-owned.
Potential partners would be assessed based on their fare structures, commissions, welfare provisions, safety systems, payment transparency, data protection, customer support, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.
The strategy could have wider commercial implications.
A coordinated movement of drivers towards smaller indigenous platforms could give those companies an opportunity to gain users and drivers in a market where network size is crucial.
Ride-hailing platforms need sufficient numbers of both passengers and drivers. Too few drivers increase waiting times, while too few passengers make it difficult for drivers to earn enough to remain active.
Uber Exit Reshapes Nigerian Ride-Hailing Market
The dispute comes only weeks after Uber ended its Nigerian operations on September 2, 2026, concluding about 12 years in the market.
Uber said its withdrawal followed a review of its business and investment priorities. Its exit left Bolt and inDrive among the major international ride-hailing platforms operating in Nigeria.
AUATON subsequently warned Bolt and inDrive over driver welfare, alleging that the problems affecting drivers extended beyond Uber.
The union’s October threat therefore arrives at an important point for the industry.
With one major international operator already gone, any prolonged disruption involving Bolt and inDrive could create an opening for local mobility companies while simultaneously causing difficulties for Lagos commuters who depend on app-based transportation.
Negotiations Could Still Avert Shutdown
Despite announcing the planned action, AUATON says it remains open to negotiations with Bolt and inDrive.
The union said its objective is to achieve measurable changes in fares, commissions and driver welfare rather than simply disrupt services.
That leaves room for an agreement before the planned October action.
The central question will be whether AUATON can secure concessions from the platforms — or build enough alternative earning opportunities to persuade drivers to remain off Bolt and inDrive long enough to make a shutdown effective.
For passengers, the outcome could determine whether October brings another major disruption to Lagos’ increasingly important app-based transportation market.
