Few rides, long waiting times on inDrive and Bolt as drivers begin indefinite strike in Lagos

Fewer rides and longer waiting times have been reported on Bolt and inDrive as e-hailing drivers begin an indefinite strike today, Monday, October 12. The strike, executed under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), is intended to draw attention to the plight of drivers who say their earnings have continued to drop in the face of skyrocketing operational costs and other financial obligations.

And passengers using e-hailing apps like Bolt and inDrive appear to be feeling the pinch. An inDrive user, Chidozie, complained about the unavailability of rides on the app for two hours and called on the app companies to listen to the striking drivers.

“inDrive, please pay attention to your drivers. They are currently on strike. Currently, there is no available ride. I have placed a ride on the app for two hours now and still no driver. What is happening? Pay attention to your drivers,” he said.

Other users reported long waiting times lasting as long as 16 to 20 minutes, as well as a surge in fares occasioned by the scarcity of drivers. The Chairman of the Lagos Council of the union, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, is calling on drivers to continue staying off the apps in the hopes of achieving their desired objectives.

“Today is Day 1 of our industrial action and shutdown. I am using this opportunity to beg every e-hailing driver in Lagos: If you cannot join us, please stay home and park your vehicle. We do not want a situation whereby you will be wasting your fuel because, whether you like it or not, you will be ordered, and once you come, we will be educating and telling drivers about the need and why they have to join this struggle,” he said.

He further pointed out that the shutdown and protest are about taking power back from the app companies like Bolt and inDrive and letting them know that drivers are in control of the industry. He noted that drivers contribute 95 per cent to the industry as such, it only made sense that they have a say in how much their services are priced.

“The app companies will no longer determine the price of our service. They are middlemen, and middlemen cannot tell us how to sell our services. We bring the vehicle, we buy the fuel, we face everything, we take the risks. Drivers are dying and wailing. So comrades, come out, support and participate so that at the end of the day you will be glad that you did. We are winning this war this time around,” he said.

AUATON’s indefinite shutdown of Bolt and inDrive

The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) announced a mega protest in October that will see them shut down the Bolt and inDrive apps in Lagos. According to the union, the mega protest is intended not only to draw massive attention to the plight of e-hailing drivers and other app workers, but it is also aimed at bringing the two major apps in the country, Bolt and inDrive, to the table.

The union noted that rising operational costs, vehicle financing obligations, fuel expenses, maintenance costs, insurance, data subscriptions, government levies and other daily expenses have placed enormous financial pressure on drivers. However, the app companies have refused to adjust their existing fare and commission structures to reflect these realities, creating serious concerns about the sustainability of the profession.

Chief among their demands is a fare review, as it insists that app companies must review fares to reflect the prevailing economic realities and the actual cost of operating a vehicle.

It also demanded a substantial reduction in commissions with a target of not more than 10 per cent, which will be subject to negotiations and a transparent explanation of any additional charges or deductions. The union also demanded an end to fare and commission manipulation, stating that any significant change to fares, commissions, subscriptions or other financial terms should be preceded by meaningful consultation with driver representatives.

Ahead of the planned protest, ride-hailing company Bolt called for a dialogue with AUATON to achieve meaningful progress.

The company said it has noted the concerns raised by the Lagos State Council of AUATON regarding driver earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency, and welfare. It said it recognises the economic pressures facing drivers and understands the importance of maintaining a sustainable environment in which drivers can continue to earn and operate successfully.

Commenting on the planned engagement, Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy in Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said that because drivers are central to the ride-hailing ecosystem, the company recognises the economic realities they are navigating.

“We take the concerns being raised seriously and believe the best way forward is through constructive, open and solution-oriented engagement. Our focus is on listening, understanding the issues and identifying practical ways to strengthen the driver experience while ensuring that ride-hailing remains safe, reliable and accessible for everyone. We are committed to building a sustainable ecosystem in which drivers, passengers and platforms can continue to thrive,” she said.

Read also: Lagos drivers to shut down Bolt and inDrive in October, demand 10% commission, fare restructure