Drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive platforms in Lagos have been urged to withdraw their services indefinitely over disputes concerning fares, platform commissions, welfare and rising operating costs.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, announced the planned industrial action, saying it would continue until the concerns raised by drivers were adequately addressed.
However, Bolt has called for constructive dialogue with the union, proposing a roundtable discussion with AUATON and driver representatives early next week to explore possible solutions.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, AUATON said drivers had repeatedly raised concerns about fare structures, platform commissions, welfare provisions and inadequate protection against arbitrary deactivation, but had yet to secure meaningful changes.
The union said drivers were struggling to sustain their operations amid rising costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, tyres, insurance, data, vehicle financing and depreciation.
According to AUATON, these expenses significantly reduce drivers’ earnings and make it increasingly difficult for them to maintain sustainable incomes.
Responding to the concerns in a statement on Saturday, Bolt acknowledged the economic pressures facing drivers and the need to maintain a sustainable environment in which they could earn and operate successfully.
The company said it had taken note of AUATON’s concerns about driver earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency and welfare.
It added that it continued to review ways to improve the driver experience and strengthen existing support mechanisms.
Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy for Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said the company took the concerns seriously and believed dialogue was the best way to resolve the dispute.
“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.
She said the company would focus on listening to drivers, understanding their concerns and identifying practical measures to improve their experience while ensuring that ride-hailing services remained safe, reliable and accessible.
Bolt said it was committed to engaging AUATON and driver representatives in a roundtable discussion early next week to exchange views and explore areas of collaboration.
The company also urged drivers to continue providing services to passengers while discussions were underway, expressing confidence that open communication and mutual understanding could strengthen relationships between drivers and ride-hailing platforms.
“We believe meaningful progress is best achieved through open communication, mutual understanding and solutions that consider the interests of drivers, passengers and the wider mobility ecosystem,” the company said.
Meanwhile, AUATON called on the Lagos State Government, relevant federal authorities and labour institutions to intervene in the dispute.
The union warned that the industry could not remain sustainable if drivers, who provide the vehicles, labour and other operational resources, were pushed into financial hardship.
“Technology must empower workers, not become a tool for modern-day economic exploitation,” the union said.
AUATON added that it was exploring alternative arrangements that would prioritise drivers’ economic interests, transparency, accountability and independence.
It urged affected drivers to remain united, disciplined and peaceful during the planned action, describing the shutdown as a statement on the value of their labour and the need for improved working conditions.
The proposed withdrawal of services could disrupt ride-hailing operations across Lagos if a significant number of drivers participate.
The extent of the disruption will depend on the level of participation and whether the planned engagement between Bolt, AUATON and driver representatives produces progress before or during the industrial action.
The position of inDrive on the planned shutdown and AUATON’s specific demands was not included in the statements available for this report.
