Ride-hailing transport drivers operating in Lagos are set to embark on a three-day shutdown strike beginning today, following unresolved concerns over rising operational costs and declining earnings.

The action, announced by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Chapter, will see drivers log off major ride-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive and Lagride between March 16 and March 18.

Checks by The Guardian on Sunday showed that majority of the ride-hailing services were not working as usual.

Riders found it difficult to order rides to places of worship as majority of the ride-hailing services were not available.

In a statement issued, the union said the strike became necessary after prolonged complaints about the harsh economic conditions faced by drivers in the state.

Public Relations Officer of the union, Steven Iwindoye, said many drivers are struggling to remain financially viable due to increasing fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, inflation and other living expenses, while fare structures on ride-hailing platforms have remained largely unchanged.

“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,” Iwindoye said.

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

He noted that thousands of drivers now work extremely long hours yet still struggle to earn a sustainable income.

According to the union, the shutdown is aimed at pressing for urgent reforms in the app-based transport industry.

Among the demands presented by the drivers are an immediate review of ride fares to reflect current economic conditions, reduction in commission charges by ride-hailing companies, and the introduction of a guaranteed minimum trip fare.

The union is also seeking improved safety protections for drivers through better rider-verification systems, emergency panic buttons, and faster response mechanisms in cases of security threats.

Other demands include insurance coverage for drivers, an end to what the union described as unjust deactivation of driver accounts without proper investigation, and greater transparency in how fares and commissions are calculated.

AUATON also called for fare adjustment mechanisms tied to fluctuations in fuel prices, formal recognition of driver unions as industry stakeholders, and the establishment of driver welfare programmes by ride-hailing companies.

Iwindoye apologised to Lagos residents for the inconvenience the planned strike may cause but said the action was necessary to draw attention to the plight of drivers.

“This 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,” he said.

The union added that after the three-day shutdown, it will assess responses from the companies and government authorities to determine whether the strike will be suspended or extended.