The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has declared a mega protest in October that will see them shut down the Bolt and inDrive apps in Lagos as the union presses for a 10 percent commission cap and a review of platform fares.
According to the statement, signed by Jaiyesimi Azeez, chairman of the Lagos State Council of the union, the mega protest is intended not only to draw massive attention to the plight of e-hailing drivers and other app workers, but to also bring the two major apps in the country, Bolt and inDrive, to the table.
AUATON noted that rising operational costs, vehicle financing obligations, fuel expenses, maintenance costs, insurance, data subscriptions, government levies and other daily expenses have placed enormous financial pressure on drivers.
The union, however, noted that despite these challenges, ride-hailing companies have refused to adjust their existing fare and commission structures to reflect these realities, creating serious concerns about the sustainability of the profession.
‘The proposed Mega Shutdown is a structured and collective industrial action intended to draw the attention of relevant stakeholders, regulatory authorities and app-based transport companies to the legitimate concerns of drivers.
‘It is a coordinated demand for fairness, transparency, dignity, welfare and sustainable working conditions for app-based transporters,’ the statement read.
AUATON also disclosed fare review, as its core demand from Bolt and inDrive, noting that app companies must review fares to reflect the prevailing economic realities and the actual cost of operating a vehicle.
The union demanded a substantial reduction in commissions with a target of not more than 10 per cent, which will be subject to negotiations and a transparent explanation of any additional charges or deductions.
AUATON called for an end to fare and commission manipulation, stating that any significant change to fares, commissions, subscriptions or other financial terms should be preceded by meaningful consultation with driver representatives.
It further demanded that Bolt and inDrive establish meaningful welfare structures for drivers, including health insurance, accident support, emergency assistance, retirement/social protection initiatives and driver support programmes.
AUATON also called for transparency in trip pricing, urging both platforms to provide drivers with clear information on passenger fares, driver earnings, platform commission, discounts, promotional deductions, other charges, trip distance and duration, and applicable pricing variables.
‘Drivers should be able to understand exactly how the amount credited to them was calculated,’ the union said.
AUATON further demanded proper rider verification to enhance driver safety, which includes consideration of NIN-linked identity verification, subject to applicable Nigerian privacy, data protection, and regulatory requirements.
‘The objective is to reduce impersonation, fraud, robbery, assault and other security risks affecting both drivers and passengers.
‘The mega protest also aims to push for proper regulation of the e-hailing industry and create a framework for constructive negotiations between drivers, the Union, the government and platform operators,’ the statement read.
The union acknowledged that drivers’ financial obligations could limit participation in the industrial action, as many operate under hire-purchase arrangements, rentals, daily remittances and other repayment commitments. It said prolonged periods offline could therefore expose some drivers to significant financial hardship.
‘Rather than ignoring this reality, AUATON Lagos is proposing a strategic alternative. The Council shall engage credible Nigerian/local mobility platforms capable of providing drivers with an alternative operating environment where appropriate.
‘The objective is not merely to replace one application with another. The objective is to promote an industry model that places drivers at the centre of its economic structure,’ AUATON stated.
The union noted that any local platform to be considered shall be subjected to proper evaluation, including fare structure, commission model, driver welfare provisions, safety mechanisms, payment transparency, customer support, data protection, driver participation in decision-making, dispute-resolution mechanisms, regulatory compliance and sustainability of the business model.