Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Lagride drivers begin strike

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has commenced a three-day strike in Lagos, with drivers across major platforms like Uber and Bolt logging off to protest stagnant fare structures and surging operational costs.

The Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has officially launched a three-day industrial action, causing widespread transportation disruptions across the metropolis. Starting Monday, March 16, 2026, thousands of drivers affiliated with platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride began logging off their applications in a coordinated effort to force a policy review from ride-hailing companies. The union’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Steven Iwindoye, announced the shutdown following a press briefing, citing months of unresolved grievances regarding “deteriorating working conditions and declining earnings” that have left many drivers unable to sustain their livelihoods.

At the heart of the dispute is the failure of digital platforms to adjust fare structures in line with Nigeria’s harsh economic climate, characterized by triple-digit inflation and soaring petrol prices. According to Iwindoye, the current commission rates—which often remain at 25 percent—combined with the high cost of vehicle maintenance, have made it nearly impossible for drivers to earn a living wage despite working excessive hours. “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,” he explained during the briefing.

The union has presented a list of 10 key demands to the app companies and the Lagos State Government, including an immediate upward review of fares, a reduction in platform commissions, and improved safety features like functional emergency panic buttons. While the strike is scheduled to run until Wednesday, March 18, 2026, AUATON has indicated that the next course of action will depend on the responsiveness of the ride-hailing firms. Although Iwindoye apologized to the public for the inconvenience, he maintained that the strike was a necessary “last resort” to ensure the economic sustainability and safety of the drivers who power the city’s digital transport network.

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