Lagos ride-hailing drivers plan to leave Uber, Bolt, inDrive for Nigerian apps
Drivers in Lagos who work with ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive say they are ready to stop using those platforms. Instead, they want to switch to Nigerian-owned apps. This was shared in a statement by Comrade Steven Iwindoye, who speaks for the Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON).
The drivers say they will leave the popular apps unless the companies meet their demands. One key demand is to reduce the app commission to just 5%. They also want better pay, safer working conditions for both drivers and riders, and an end to what they call unfair treatment and modern-day slavery.
Other demands include being treated as business partners, not just workers, and having the freedom to set their own prices since they own their cars.
“If these app companiesvwho we call ‘app sharks‘ don’t listen, we will switch to new Nigerian apps that respect us. Right now, we have three ready, and the driver community is building its own app too. We are tired of being used and exploited,” the statement said.
Drivers push back harder
As part of their backup plan, the union has sent a petition to the National Assembly. The Lagos branch also plans to send one to the Lagos State House of Assembly and other officials.
They say they will soon organize a protest outside the offices of these app companies to make their voices heard. “We won’t stop until we win. We will make sure even the government knows how serious we are,” they said.
May 1 boycott a success
This comes right after the drivers held a boycott on Workers Day (May 1), refusing to use the apps that day. They were protesting low pay and unfair treatment. Comrade Steven called the boycott a success, saying over 400 drivers joined and the event got media attention, including a BBC interview.
A shift to local apps
The drivers are now looking at new Nigerian apps as the future. One of them is SimpliRide, which launched in April in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. SimpliRide was created with drivers’ help to solve their problems.
Dr. Raymond Odu Dibang-Achua, SimpliRide’s Business Development Director, said the app listens to drivers and gives them a voice. Instead of taking a commission from each trip, SimpliRide charges a flat daily fee of N1,500—no matter how many trips the driver does.
Another app made by drivers themselves is also in development. When asked if drivers are allowed to own apps, Comrade Steven said, “Yes, we can. In fact, we are already building one.”
This growing resistance shows that drivers are ready to take control of their work and future. It remains to be seen how this will change the ride-hailing industry in Nigeria.
