The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State chapter, announced a three-day strike starting from Sunday, the 15th of March, 2026, to protest working conditions and earnings in the app-based transport sector.
The union’s Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, made the declaration during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday, the 15th of March.
According to AUATON, drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms in the state are struggling with worsening economic realities, including rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, inflation, and other daily operational challenges.
Iwindoye said drivers using Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride have repeatedly raised concerns that fare structures and operational policies remain unchanged despite current economic conditions.
“Drivers operating on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride face rising operational costs, including high fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses.
“Unfortunately, fare structures and policies of these companies have not been adjusted to reflect these economic realities. Thousands of drivers now struggle to earn a sustainable income despite working long hours,” he said.
The union stated that the strike is intended to push for urgent reforms and address challenges affecting app-based transport workers.
During the three-day industrial action, drivers across Lagos are expected to log off from all ride-hailing platforms, suspending services throughout the period.
Iwindoye emphasized that the action is not meant to inconvenience commuters but to demand fair treatment, better economic conditions, and improved safety measures for drivers who provide essential transport services.
He added that the union submitted a list of 10 demands to ride-hailing companies and relevant authorities.
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The demands include an immediate review of fare structures to reflect rising fuel, vehicle maintenance, and inflation costs, along with reduced commission rates to allow drivers to earn sustainable incomes.
Other requests cover the introduction of a regulated minimum base fare to prevent extremely low-paying trips, enhanced rider verification systems, and the deployment of functional emergency panic buttons with rapid real-time response mechanisms to protect drivers.
The union also called for comprehensive accident, health, and life insurance coverage for drivers while active on ride-hailing platforms.
Iwindoye noted that at the end of the three-day strike, the union would review responses from ride-hailing companies and government authorities to decide whether the strike should end or continue.
He apologized to Lagos residents for any inconvenience and said the union remains open to dialogue.
The spokesperson also urged the Lagos State Government, regulatory agencies, and ride-hailing company management to engage with driver representatives to resolve the issues raised.