E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have commenced an indefinite strike over disputes surrounding fare structures, platform commissions, deductions and welfare conditions in the app-based transport industry.

The industrial action, announced by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), is expected to disrupt transportation for thousands of residents who depend on ride-hailing services for their daily activities.

The union said its members would remain off the road until further notice or until satisfactory progress was made towards resolving their grievances.

What Triggered The Strike?

According to the union, the decision followed persistent complaints about drivers’ earnings, operational policies, safety, security and working conditions.

AUATON maintained that several concerns raised by drivers and other stakeholders had remained unresolved despite repeated efforts to draw attention to them.

The union said the grievances included the way fares are determined, commissions deducted from trips, additional charges imposed on drivers and financial obligations associated with vehicles provided through fleet owners and managers.

The development could create further difficulties for commuters who rely on ride-hailing services to navigate Lagos, particularly workers, business owners and residents seeking alternatives to conventional public transportation.

Bolt, inDrive Drivers Among Those Affected

Reports surrounding the industrial action indicated that drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive platforms were among those affected by the planned shutdown.

Bolt reportedly proposed a meeting with AUATON and driver representatives to discuss the issues raised by the union.

However, a response from inDrive had not been reported at the time of publication.

The outcome of the proposed discussions could determine how quickly the dispute is resolved and when normal operations resume.

Union Issues Fresh Warning To Fleet Owners

In a significant move, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to suspend daily remittance obligations and related operational targets throughout the strike.

The union argued that drivers should not be expected to meet their usual financial obligations while they were complying with the directive to withdraw their services.

It also urged fleet partners not to penalise drivers for participating in the industrial action.

The union stated that drivers should not face sanctions or other adverse measures solely because they had suspended operations in line with its instructions.

The appeal highlights the financial pressure faced by drivers who operate vehicles owned or managed by fleet partners, particularly when they are required to meet daily payment targets regardless of fluctuations in earnings.

Task Force To Monitor Compliance

AUATON also announced plans to deploy its task force across all local government areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the strike directive.

The union warned that drivers who continued operating in violation of its instructions could face disciplinary measures under its internal procedures.

However, the extent of compliance among drivers, including those operating independently or outside the union’s structure, remained unclear.

The Lagos State Chairman of AUATON, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, signed the strike notice and appealed to fleet partners to cooperate with drivers during the industrial action.

Uber’s Exit Adds Another Dimension

The strike comes weeks after Uber’s reported withdrawal from the Nigerian market in September 2026, a development that altered the competitive landscape of the country’s ride-hailing industry.

With drivers now suspending operations over unresolved grievances, commuters could face additional challenges in securing app-based transportation across Lagos.

The actual extent of the disruption will depend on the number of drivers participating in the strike and the progress made in negotiations with the affected platforms and other stakeholders.

Despite the potential inconvenience to passengers and businesses, AUATON maintained that its objective was not to cause unnecessary disruption.

Instead, the union said it wanted the concerns of drivers addressed through discussions that would produce lasting improvements in their earnings and working conditions.

Whether negotiations with the affected platforms will bring a quick end to the strike remains to be seen, as commuters and drivers await further developments.