Drivers strike backlash: inDrive makes lowest commission claim, pledges commitment to welfare

In the wake of a strike by e-hailing drivers in Lagos, powered by the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) and the reactions generated, ride-hailing company inDrive has expressed commitment to the welfare of drivers, noting that it still offers the lowest commission in the industry.

Read also: We are not slaves: Protesting drivers ask Bolt and inDrive to raise fares or leave Nigeria

According to a statement by Country Director Timothy Oladimeji seen by Technext, the company said it noted with concern the ongoing conversation around ride-hailing fares, driver welfare, and commission fees in the sector and, as a company, it remains committed to supporting drivers through low service fees, improved earning opportunities, welfare partnerships and sustained engagement with our driver community.

Recall that in a now-viral video, a driver was seen asking the company to leave Nigeria if it couldn’t guarantee improved, sustainable earnings for its drivers. But the company says it is already offering the lowest commission in the country, a decision meant to cushion the impact of the current economic situation.

“We still charge the lowest commission fee in the industry. The decision to offer a reduced commission is intended to cushion the impact of the current economic situation on drivers and enable them to retain a greater share of their earnings,” the Country Director said.

The company also said that the approach to maximising driver earnings and extensive welfare extends beyond lower commission fees. It said through its Comfort module, drivers with eligible vehicles manufactured from 2008 onwards can benefit from a 30 per cent fare increase on qualifying trips.

“This provides additional earning opportunities for drivers while giving passengers access to more mobility options,” Oladimeji said.

inDrive commits to driver welfare

The company also said that, beyond its low commission and earning opportunities, it is currently working to improve drivers’ access to healthcare and insurance-related services through its partnerships with Heala and MyCover.  All these initiatives reflect its commitment to addressing drivers’ broader welfare needs and creating a more supportive experience on the inDrive platform.

Despite these interventions, the company still expressed belief that open communication and collaboration are essential to building a safer and more trusted mobility ecosystem, a reality it says was brought to the front burner at its third Safety Summit, held recently in Abuja.

The company said it would continue to listen to drivers, engage relevant stakeholders and use feedback to improve its services. It expressed belief that sustainable progress in the mobility sector requires shared responsibility, transparent communication, and solutions that reflect the realities of drivers and passengers.

“We will continue to maintain a low service fee, develop initiatives that support driver earnings and welfare, and invest in safety and service improvements. Our goal is to build a mobility ecosystem that creates meaningful opportunities for drivers while providing passengers with accessible and reliable transportation options,” Oladimeji said.

It is important to note that beyond commissions, the drivers also decry the low fares on inDrive, and their primary demand is an increase in fares, which is a more direct and more impactful determinant of how much they earn.