The Transport Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has undertaken to address low fares, excessive commissions and other issues diminishing driver revenue on platforms like Uber, Bolt and inDrive. This resolution was reached as part of the Public Complaints Commission’s (PCC) investigation into the matter.
Read also: Public Complaints Commission to investigate Uber, Bolt, inDrive following driver petition
Recall that the Chairman of the Abuja Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Evans Agada, dragged the e-hailing companies before the PCC over arbitrary deactivation, excessive commissions and low fares. Subsequently, the commission invited the app companies, along with their regulator in the FCT, to an investigative hearing.
The hearing was attended by the FCTA Transport Secretariat, AUATON representatives, and Bolt, while Uber and inDrive were conspicuously absent. After AUATON presented its concerns, the representative of the FCTA Transport Secretariat, Mr Durojaye, reportedly elaborated on the issues of arbitrary deactivation without fair hearing, excessive commission, and low and unsustainable fares, and acknowledged the need for urgent attention.
After extensive deliberations, the Public Complaints Commission directed the FCT Transport Secretariat to ensure that Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and other app-based transport companies addressed the issues in the interest of drivers and the industry.
“Mr Durojaye also assured the Commission that the Transport Secretariat would work on the three key issues presented by AUATON FCT Council and provide feedback to the Commission on or before 12th August 2026,” a report on the matter stated.
AUATON ‘cautiously optimistic’ that Uber, Bolt, inDrive would comply
Speaking with Technext after the session, the Abuja AUATON Chairman, Evans Agada, expressed “reasonable satisfaction” with the process so far. This satisfaction is based on the fact that the PCC has listened to their complaints and has remained consistent in pursuing a resolution.
“I am hopeful but cautiously optimistic. The fact that the Transport Secretariat has been directed to work on the three major issues we raised is a positive step. However, I will be more satisfied when we begin to see concrete results for drivers,” he said.
He noted that the three issues: arbitrary deactivation, high commission and low fares, are very important, and expressed hope that the FCTA Transport Secretariat will come back to the PCC with meaningful progress on or before 12 August. In the meantime, the union will continue to engage with the relevant authorities and push for drivers’ interests.
Reacting to the noticeable absence of Uber and inDrive representatives, he urged the PCC and the Transport Secretariat to directly address their absence and ensure they honour subsequent meetings.
“Since the Transport Secretariat has the responsibility to regulate the operators, we expect them to ensure that all the major platforms are brought to the table in subsequent engagements. Our position is that whatever resolutions are reached should cover all app-based transport companies operating in Abuja, not just one or two platforms,” Evans said.
The three issues being addressed cut across the activities of both drivers and the ride-hailing platforms they operate on. Recently, a union leader accused Bolt of deactivating the account of a driver simply for raising serious concerns over the matter of low fares. This is especially crucial considering a recent hike in the pump price of fuel. Bolt, however, denied deactivating the driver, noting that his account remains active even though he has refused to work.
The debate over commissions has been on since the establishment of the e-hailing industry. The situation is more complicated as there are no regulations stipulating a benchmark for what apps like Uber, Bolt and inDrive can charge the drivers. The introduction of value-added tax further complicated the situation, with drivers accusing the companies of inflating their commissions in the guise of VAT payment.
It remains to be seen whether the PCC and Transport Secretariat’s intervention will bring about some respite for the drivers.
See also: Bolt reportedly blocks driver for demanding fare increase amid new fuel price hike
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
