The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, has called on drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive platforms to withdraw their services indefinitely over concerns about fares, commissions, welfare and rising operating costs.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, the union said drivers had repeatedly complained about low earnings, platform charges and inadequate protection against arbitrary deactivation, without seeing meaningful improvements.
AUATON said rising operational expenses, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, tyres, mobile data and vehicle financing, were making it increasingly difficult for drivers to earn sustainable incomes.
The union maintained that the current operating conditions required urgent attention to protect drivers’ livelihoods and ensure the long-term sustainability of the ride-hailing industry.
Reacting to the proposed industrial action, Bolt expressed its willingness to address the concerns through constructive dialogue.
The company acknowledged the financial pressures facing drivers and said it was reviewing measures to improve earnings, transparency, operating conditions and welfare support.
Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy for Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said the company was committed to engaging AUATON and driver representatives in a roundtable discussion early the following week to explore practical solutions.
Aghadiuno also urged drivers to continue providing services while discussions were ongoing.
Meanwhile, AUATON called on the Lagos State Government, federal authorities and relevant labour institutions to intervene in the dispute, warning that the industry could face sustainability challenges if drivers continued to experience financial hardship.
The union argued that technology should empower workers rather than expose them to economic exploitation, while urging drivers to remain united, disciplined and peaceful during the planned action.
The proposed shutdown could disrupt ride-hailing services across Lagos, depending on the level of participation among drivers.
The extent of any disruption may also depend on the outcome of discussions between Bolt, AUATON and driver representatives.
However, the position of inDrive on the proposed industrial action and the union’s demands was not included in the statements available for this report.
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