E-hailing drivers threaten to boycott Lagos roads

The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Chapter, has condemned the recent trend of unfairly low fares imposed by Indrive, Rida, and other app-based ride-hailing companies in a bid to gain market share and competitive advantage over their rivals.

The union said the unhealthy, unethical, and exploitative practice by Indrive and Rida is deliberately designed to impoverish drivers.

The drivers said the new fares would has severe negative effects “on our collective well-being, and as e-hailing practitioners already struggling to make ends meet, we firmly reject such unfair pricing strategies.

The union in a statement It stated that “in a country like Nigeria, where the economy is unstable and the cost of living has skyrocketed—including fuel prices, spare parts, vehicle maintenance, rent, food, weekly remittances to partners, school fees, and even tire replacements—it is only logical for drivers to expect an upward fare review.”

However, the chapter stated that rather than adjusting fares to reflect present economic realities, app companies, particularly Indrive and Rida, have chosen to be insensitive to our struggles by drastically undervaluing our services.

“For instance, when a trip that should rightfully cost ₦5,000 is reduced to ₦2,000 at the rider’s discretion, it is an insult to our profession and must not be tolerated,” they said.

“There should be a fair minimum fare benchmark for riders to negotiate within, rather than the current situation where fares are slashed to exploitative levels.

It stated that the continuous price slashes and unfair treatment of drivers by ride-hailing companies like Indrive, Rida, and Uber have pushed drivers to a breaking point. The only viable solution is for all drivers to unite, take a stand, and boycott any app company that refuses to listen to our grievances.

“We, therefore, call on all drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to participate in the upcoming protest and join the massive boycott against Indrive and Rida. We cannot allow app companies to continue undermining our efforts by imposing unfair working conditions. The success of this boycott depends entirely on our unity and solidarity.

They urged Indrive and Rida time to reconsider their actions and review fares upward else they “are actively planning a date for the massive boycott, which will be announced in due course.”

“In the meantime, drivers should take action by expressing their dissatisfaction directly to Indrive and Rida through official complaints. Registering our displeasure will demonstrate our collective resolve and prepare the ground for the upcoming protest,” they said.

The chapter stated that the dawn of a new e-hailing era is fast approaching, and for meaningful change to occur, we must take the first step. It is time for all e-hailing drivers to take bold action for a just cause and assert their rights. By doing so, we can create a better future for ourselves and the entire ride-hailing industry.