Ride-hailing drivers begin three-day strike in Lagos

Ride-hailing

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

The shutdown of ride-hailing operations, announced by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State chapter, will see drivers logging off major ride-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive and Lagride, between Monday, March 16, 2026, and Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

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

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the union, Steven Iwindoye, said many drivers are struggling to remain financially viable owing to fuel price hike, 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.

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

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

According to the union, the shutdown was aimed at pressing for urgent reforms in the app-based transport industry, including an immediate review of ride fares to reflect current economic conditions, a reduction in commission charges by ride-hailing companies, and the introduction of a guaranteed minimum trip fare, among others.

Iwindoye, however, apologised to Lagos State residents for the inconvenience the planned strike might cause but said the action was necessary to draw attention to the plight of the 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.

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