‘Just increase the ride fares’- Nigerians react as Uber, Bolt drivers strike

The mega strike action embarked by drivers under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) began today. Scheduled to run until Wednesday, the protest is aimed, among others, at forcing the app companies (Uber, Bolt and inDrive) to effect an immediate increase in the fares offered on their apps.

Read more: Uber, Bolt drivers in Lagos and Ogun to embark on 3-day strike from today

The logic is simple: The cost of fuel, which is the largest operational cost incurred by the drivers, has risen exponentially over the past few weeks. Other public and private transport operators have since increased their charges, most by as much as 50 per cent to reflect the rising operational cost.

But this hasn’t been the case for e-hailing drivers as apps still retain their old fares. This is despite a commission they consider excessive and a newly introduced VAT charge.

Other demands are for improved security for drivers through rider verification systems, welfare packages like insurance, an end to unjust deactivation, and the introduction of industry-wide regulations.

The strike and shutdown began in earnest today, and so far, there appears to be a healthy compliance rate among drivers in both Lagos and Ogun states. In a video seen by this reporter, a large number of Uber and Bolt drivers operating in Obafemi-Owode LGA of Ogun State converged in front of the Punch Office.

According to them, e-hailing services have been halted in the local government in compliance with the action.

Similarly, nearly 100 drivers reportedly converged in the Oshodi-Isolo area of Lagos with their cars as they prepared to commence their protest drive out. Drivers also converged in Festac, Amuwo-Odofin, stating that they have logged out of all apps and are ready for the procession.

In Ikeja, the Chairman of AUATON in Lagos, Jaiyesimi Azeez, converged with other drivers before driving out in a convoy to begin the procession. Speaking at the rally, the chairman pointed out that the purpose of the strike is to shut down the three major apps because they have refused to listen to the cries of hardworking drivers in Nigeria.

“What we are fighting for is simple. No more ridiculous prices, drivers must control the prices because it is our business. We have written to app companies, and they refused to listen. They tell people that drivers are making 500,000 or 200,000, but at the end of the day, it is very difficult for drivers to go home with 2,500 in a day. This is why drivers are lamenting. This is why some drivers are rude to customers, because they are frustrated. It must stop,” he said.

How AUATON enforces strike actions

One challenge with previous strike actions is compliance. Even when they begin with vigour, the energy is usually dissipated after the first day as drivers scramble back behind the wheel.

Quizzed about how it intended to ensure compliance this time around, the Lagos AUATON spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye, said this time the union has put together a monitoring task force and driver engagement teams in Lagos and Ogun states to engage with drivers who failed to comply or who aren’t aware of the strike.

“The union has established a Strike Monitoring Task Force and Driver Engagement Teams that will operate across major strategic areas in Lagos and Ogun State, including airports, business districts, transport hubs, and high-demand ride locations. These teams will focus on engagement, awareness, and persuasion, encouraging drivers to respect the collective decision for the overall welfare of the driver community,” the union told Technext.

According to information gathered the task force teams are well at work. A video seen by Technext shows members of the task force in the Shomolu axis of Lagos confronting a driver about the ongoing strike.

Similarly, the engagement teams are hard at work, with members using the very apps for sensitisation.

The strategy is quite simple: book a ride, and in the chat section, engage the driver who appears to still be working. Indeed, this engagement system has been widely adopted by drivers.

Just increase the fares: Nigerians react on social media

Nigerians have also taken to social media to react to the news of the e-hailing strike. The thoughts expressed, though varied, largely showed genuine concern.

“Price increases are inevitable. Is there any need to allow for the strike? Just raise the fares. It is clearly understandable,” Emeka Ibeabuchi said.

“Commuters beware—Lagos and Ogun roads might be chaotic for the next three days,” Precious said.

“It’s really-really bad. The fuel price has gone up, and they are still charging the same old price. It’s affecting the drivers a lot, plus the Lagos traffic. They should do something about this,” Kamcy Godwin said.

inDrive, Uber and Bolt logos merged into one

“Who is losing? Both parties and innocent travellers who need rides to get to their various destinations,” Mr Babs said.

There are, however, those who think the strike is uncalled for, as most drivers do offline trips anyway.

“Why are they striking when 90% of Lagos drivers already do ‘offline trips’, and charge double the app price anyway? This isn’t a strike for better pay; it’s just a three-day rehearsal for how they plan to extort us even more when the apps come back online,” a user, Spirit 2 Spirit, said.

The post ‘Just increase the ride fares’- Nigerians react as Uber, Bolt drivers strike first appeared on Technext.