AUATON says decision not attempt to introduce alternative ride-hailing apps

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 from today over concerns about fares, welfare and rising operating costs.

However, Bolt has called for constructive dialogue with the union, saying it is committed to addressing drivers’ concerns and has proposed a roundtable discussion with AUATON.

The union said the planned industrial action would continue indefinitely until its demands were addressed, accusing ride-hailing platforms of failing to adequately consider the economic realities facing drivers.

In a statement signed 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 achieve meaningful changes.

According to the union, drivers bear the costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, tyres, insurance, data, vehicle financing and depreciation, leaving many struggling to earn sustainable incomes.

But Bolt, in a statement yesterday, said it recognised the economic pressures facing drivers and the need to maintain a sustainable environment in which they could earn and operate successfully.

The company, however, said it had noted AUATON’s concerns regarding drivers’ earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency and welfare, adding that it would continue to review ways to improve the drivers’ experience and strengthen existing support mechanisms.

Head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa at Bolt, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said the company took the concerns seriously and believed dialogue would offer the best route to resolving the dispute.

She said the company would focus on listening to the drivers, understanding their concerns and identifying practical measures to improve their experience while ensuring that ride-hailing services remained safe, reliable and accessible.

Meanwhile, AUATON has called on the Lagos State Government, relevant federal authorities, and labour institutions to intervene in the dispute, warning that the industry could not remain sustainable if drivers providing vehicles, labour, and other operational resources were pushed into financial hardship.

The union said its planned shutdown today was aimed at securing better fares, lower commissions, improved safety and welfare for ride-hailing drivers.

It said the planned protest and industrial action should not be seen merely as an attempt to introduce alternative ride-hailing applications, but as a response to what it described as persistent challenges affecting drivers’ earnings, working conditions and livelihoods.