Uber exit: Moove drivers demand daily remittance reduction from ₦18,700 to ₦12,000

Drivers operating on the Moove platform have requested a review of their contractual terms from the company. According to a letter written by a group of drivers, seen by Technext, one of the key demands is the reduction of their daily remittance from the ₦18,700 to ₦12,000.

Read also: Following Uber Nigeria’s exit, Moove permits drivers to operate on Bolt and inDrive

The drivers said the request became necessary because many of them now maintain their vehicles out of pocket, increasing fuel costs that have reduced income, and reduced ride opportunities after Uber’s exit, which have made earnings inconsistent.

“The current remittance is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain under the present business conditions. We believe that a reduction in remittance will help drivers remain operational and continue meeting their obligations to Moove,” the drivers said.

Uber exit and the struggles of Moove drivers

Apart from Uber being a major Moove investor, it also has an agreement with the vehicle-financing company for its drivers to operate exclusively on the Uber app.

But Uber exited the Nigerian market on September 2, citing a focus on its core business. This led to several blowback, one of which is confusion among Moove drivers about which apps they will be allowed to operate. The company soon told the drivers that they could operate across other apps. However, that decision came with its own challenges, including remittance, contractual obligations, etc.

According to the drivers, Uber’s exit has significantly affected the availability of riders and the income generated by many drivers, particularly those who depend on ride-hailing operations as their primary source of livelihood.

It is for this reason that they are requesting a review of the existing contractual arrangements. One of the requests is that vehicles be released to any driver who has completed their four-year contract but hasn’t fully met their key performance indicator (KPI).

“We believe this will provide relief to drivers who have fulfilled the duration of their contract and allow them to continue their livelihood with greater flexibility,” the drivers said.

The drivers are also requesting a review of the Outstanding Vehicle Balance, which will enable each driver to know the exact amount remaining on their vehicle loan and explore available options for balancing up.

“These options include settling the outstanding balance in full, spreading the balance over an agreed period, or any other mutually acceptable repayment arrangements. We believe this will promote transparency and give drivers a clearer understanding of their financial commitments,” they said.

The Moove drivers also requested that all vehicles that will remain under contract be converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). This is because the cost of conversion has been added to the remittance and, as such, should be made available to the affected vehicles. This will help reduce fuel expenses and improve the sustainability of the business for drivers.

“We kindly appeal to the management to consider these proposals and invite representatives of the Moove Drivers for a discussion. We believe that through mutual understanding and cooperation, we can arrive at solutions that will benefit both the drivers and the company,” they said.