Rising operational costs and declining earnings have forced drivers of ride-haling platforms like Uber and Bolt to embark on a three-day warning strike in Lagos.
This situation has not gone down well with their customers in the metropolis, who have expressed frustration over the strike.
“Though I am not happy with the action of the drivers, I feel for them because they operate in a harsh environment,” a customer of Bolt, Mr Seyi Adeniji, said.
When Business Post checked the Uber app on Monday morning to book a ride from Egbeda to Megida Ayobo, both in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, it was functional, but with fewer drivers available for pick-up, with prices ranging from N5,200 on Uber X to N7,400.
One of the drivers, who spoke with this newspaper but begged for anonymity, said efforts by them for improved packages have failed.
It was gathered that when nothing concrete came out from talks with operators of the platforms, drivers, under the aegis of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Chapter, decided to begin a warning strike from March 16 to 18, 2026, to further press home their demands.
They want an immediate review of ride fares to reflect current economic conditions. They also seek a cut in commission charges by ride-hailing companies, and want the introduction of a guaranteed minimum trip fare.
The drivers have asked for insurance coverage, an end to unjust deactivation of driver accounts without proper investigation, and greater transparency in how fares and commissions are calculated.
In addition, they want improved safety protections for drivers through better rider-verification systems, emergency panic buttons, and faster response mechanisms in cases of security threats.
According to a statement from the spokesman of the organisation, Mr Steven Iwindoye, 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.
“Unfortunately, the fare structures and policies of these companies have not been adjusted to reflect these economic realities,” the statement said.
It was stressed that many drivers now work extremely long hours yet still struggle to earn a sustainable income, clarifying that, “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.”