Bolt

Author: Gist Correspondent

Drivers on Bolt and inDrive ride-hailing platforms in Lagos are set to begin an indefinite service shutdown over disputes concerning fares, commissions, welfare and rising operating costs.

The planned action was announced by the Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), which urged drivers to withdraw their services from today until their demands are addressed.

However, Bolt has called for constructive engagement with the union, proposing a roundtable discussion with AUATON and driver representatives early next week to resolve the dispute.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, AUATON accused ride-hailing platforms of failing to adequately address the economic challenges confronting drivers despite repeated complaints.

The union said drivers were struggling with rising expenses, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, tyres, insurance, data, vehicle financing and depreciation, while existing fare structures and platform commissions continued to undermine their earnings.

It also expressed concern over drivers’ welfare and inadequate protection against arbitrary deactivation from the platforms.

Responding, Bolt said it recognised the economic pressures facing drivers and was committed to creating a sustainable environment in which they could operate successfully.

The company said it had taken note of AUATON’s concerns regarding earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency and welfare, adding that it continued to review measures to improve drivers’ experience and strengthen support systems.

Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy for Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said the company considered drivers central to the ride-hailing ecosystem and believed dialogue remained the best way to resolve the dispute.

She said the proposed meeting would provide an opportunity to listen to drivers, understand their concerns and explore practical solutions while maintaining safe, reliable and accessible services for passengers.

Bolt also appealed to drivers to continue operating while discussions were ongoing, expressing confidence that open communication and mutual understanding would help strengthen relations between the company and its driver partners.

Meanwhile, AUATON called on the Lagos State Government, relevant federal authorities and labour institutions to intervene, warning that the industry would struggle to remain sustainable if drivers continued to face worsening financial conditions.

“Technology must empower workers, not become a tool for modern-day economic exploitation,” the union said.

The union also disclosed that it was exploring alternative arrangements that would promote drivers’ economic interests, transparency, accountability and independence.

It urged members to remain united, disciplined and peaceful during the planned industrial action, describing the shutdown as a demand for fair compensation and improved working conditions.

The proposed action could disrupt ride-hailing services across Lagos if a significant number of drivers participate.

Its eventual impact may depend on the level of compliance among drivers and whether the planned discussions between Bolt, AUATON and driver representatives produce meaningful progress.

The position of inDrive on the planned shutdown and the union’s demands was not contained in the statements available for this report.