Ride-hailing drivers begin three-day strike over rising operational costs

Ride-hailing drivers will on Monday begin a three-day strike over rising operational costs and harsh economic realities facing app-based transport workers in the state.

According to a statement signed by Steven Iwindoye, public relations officer, Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), the strike will commence on March 16th to March 18th, 2026, during which drivers across the state will log off from all ride-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride.

The union stated that the decision was coming after prolonged complaints and unresolved concerns regarding the harsh economic realities facing app-based transport workers across Lagos State.

“Drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride continue to face rising operational costs, including the high price of fuel, vehicle maintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses.

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“Unfortunately, the fare structures and policies of these companies have not been adjusted to reflect these economic realities,” they noted.

As a result, thousands of drivers now struggle to survive despite working extremely long hours on the platforms, with the union stating that the strike is a necessary step to demand urgent reforms within the app-based transport industry.

Demands from app-based drivers

The union urged ride-hailing companies and relevant government authorities to adjust ride fares to reflect the current cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and inflation in Nigeria.

They stated that the high commission percentages for ride-hailing companies must be reduced to allow drivers earn a sustainable income, and a regulated minimum base fare should be introduced to prevent extremely low-paying trips that undermine drivers’ livelihood.

“Improved rider verification systems, functional emergency panic buttons, and rapid real-time response mechanisms must be implemented to protect drivers from security threats.

“Drivers should be provided with comprehensive accident, health, and life insurance coverage while active on ride-hailing platforms,” the union stated, noting that no driver should be deactivated without a transparent investigation process and the opportunity for fair appeal.

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They urged ride-hailing companies to allow drivers have clear visibility into how fares are calculated and how commissions are deducted by the platforms, and fare structures should include an automatic adjustment mechanism tied to fuel price fluctuations.

The union also noted that driver associations and unions must be formally recognised as legitimate stakeholders in discussions affecting the industry and ride-hailing companies should establish driver welfare initiatives including financial assistance, vehicle support programs, and emergency relief mechanisms.

“At the end of the three-day shutdown, the union will review the responses from the ride-hailing companies and the government. What happens next will determine whether the strike will be suspended or extended until further notice.

“We sincerely apologise to residents of Lagos State for any inconvenience this action may cause. However, the public must understand that app-based drivers are facing severe economic hardship despite providing an essential transportation service,” the union stated.

They further said that the strike is not intended to punish commuters but to demand fair treatment, economic sustainability, and safety protections for the drivers who power the ride-hailing industry.

“The union remains open to dialogue and calls on the Lagos State Government, regulatory agencies, and the management of the ride-hailing companies to urgently engage with driver representatives to resolve these issues,” the statement read.