By Abubakar Yunusa
A union representing ride-hailing drivers in Lagos has called for an urgent review of fare structures, warning that continued fare reductions could lead to a mass boycott of major platforms.
The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, criticised ride-hailing companies, including Uber, inDrive, and Rida, for what they described as unfair pricing policies.
The dispute intensified following online reports suggesting that Bolt, a leading ride-hailing platform, had slashed fares by 50 percent.
However, Bolt’s general manager, Osi Oguah, denied the claim, stating that while pricing adjustments had been made, they were aimed at increasing demand and improving drivers’ overall earnings.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Steven Iwindoye, AUATON’s Lagos public relations officer, condemned ride-hailing platforms for imposing fares that do not reflect the rising costs of living and vehicle maintenance.
“They are drastically undervaluing our services,” Iwindoye said.
“For instance, when a trip that should rightfully cost ₦5,000 is reduced to ₦2,000 at the rider’s discretion, it is an insult to our profession and must not be tolerated. There should be a minimum fare benchmark.”
He argued that drivers bear the full financial burden of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and other expenses, yet they are forced to accept fares that barely cover costs.
In response to the continued fare reductions, AUATON has urged all app-based drivers to prepare for a mass boycott of ride-hailing platforms that refuse to address their concerns.
“The cost of living has skyrocketed – fuel, spare parts, vehicle maintenance, rent, and food are all high,” Iwindoye said.
“It is only logical for drivers to expect an upward fare review.”
The union is also advocating for a unified regulatory framework at the federal level, arguing that state regulations often fail to protect drivers’ interests.
Kolawole Aina, AUATON’s South-West vice president, noted that 15 to 17 states currently have regulations that do not favour drivers.
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