Ride-hailing drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive have called for an increase in fares, citing rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs and declining earnings.
The demand follows a social media post shared by CalabarGist, in which a driver appealed to both platforms to review their pricing structures to reflect the increasing cost of operating vehicles in Nigeria.
In the post, the driver said he spent ₦80,000 on fuel and worked throughout the night but earned only ₦60,000 by the following morning, leaving him struggling to meet his family’s needs and maintain his vehicle.
“I bought fuel ₦80,000 and worked all night yesterday as a Bolt and inDrive driver, but I got ₦60,000 this morning,” he said.
The driver explained that he had a wife and four children to support, adding that his earnings were insufficient to cover household expenses, including feeding, school fees and vehicle servicing.
He subsequently appealed to both ride-hailing companies to increase their fares, arguing that the current pricing structure was making it difficult for drivers to sustain their operations.
“Please, inDrive, increase your price of ride or leave Nigeria because you are spoiling work for us drivers. Bolt, increase your price, please,” he added.
Drivers Lament Rising Operating Costs
The driver’s complaint highlights concerns among ride-hailing operators over the rising cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance, which they say has continued to reduce their take-home earnings.
Expenses such as engine oil, tyres, repairs, insurance and vehicle depreciation add to the financial burden, particularly for drivers who depend on ride-hailing services as their primary source of income.
For many operators, the money earned from completed trips must cover both daily operating expenses and personal responsibilities, leaving limited profit after expenses are deducted.
The situation has intensified calls for ride-hailing companies to review their fare structures to ensure that drivers can cover their costs while earning a sustainable income.
Bolt, inDrive Drivers Begin Indefinite Strike in Lagos
The demand for higher fares comes amid an indefinite strike by Bolt and inDrive drivers in Lagos, which began on Monday, October 12, 2026.
READ ALSO: Lagos App-Based Drivers Begin Three-Day Strike Over Earnings
The industrial action was announced by the Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) following disagreements over fares, platform commissions, welfare and working conditions.
The union called on drivers to withdraw their services until their concerns receive satisfactory attention.
According to reports on the dispute, drivers have raised concerns about rising fuel prices, vehicle repairs, insurance expenses and platform deductions, which they say are affecting their ability to earn sustainable incomes.
The union has also called for greater transparency in platform deductions, improved welfare for drivers and better protection against arbitrary account deactivation.
Bolt Proposes Dialogue With Drivers
Amid the dispute, Bolt has called for constructive engagement with the drivers’ union and proposed a roundtable discussion with union representatives and drivers to address their concerns.
The development comes as ride-hailing companies face growing pressure to balance affordable transportation for passengers with sustainable earnings for drivers.
Drivers argue that fares must reflect the increasing cost of operating vehicles, while passengers may face higher transportation costs if the platforms approve significant fare increases.
The disagreement underscores the challenge facing ride-hailing companies as they seek to maintain competitive prices while ensuring that drivers can continue operating profitably.
Calls for Fare Review Intensify
The driver’s appeal has added to the ongoing debate over the sustainability of app-based transportation in Nigeria, particularly amid rising operating expenses.
While passengers depend on ride-hailing services for convenient transportation, drivers say the cost of providing those services has increased, making a review of fares necessary.
The dispute also raises questions about how ride-hailing platforms can improve drivers’ earnings without placing additional financial pressure on passengers.
As discussions over fares, commissions and working conditions continue, attention will be on engagements between the companies and the drivers’ union and whether they will lead to changes in pricing policies.
For drivers like the man featured in the CalabarGist post, the central concern remains whether their earnings can adequately cover operating expenses and provide for their families.