Drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive in Lagos have withdrawn their services indefinitely over what they described as unsustainable fares and high platform charges.
The shutdown, which took effect on Monday, October 12, was declared by the Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, AUATON.
The union instructed drivers on both platforms to stay off the apps until their demands are addressed by the ride-hailing companies.
According to AUATON, its members have continued to operate at a loss despite repeated complaints over fare calculation and commission deductions. The union said drivers are responsible for the entire cost of running their vehicles.
These costs include petrol, vehicle repairs, tyres, insurance, internet data, vehicle loan repayments and depreciation, which it said has severely reduced their earnings.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, and its Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, the union said the action was necessary to press for fair and sustainable working conditions.
AUATON is demanding a review of fares to reflect fuel prices, traffic delays and waiting time, as well as a reduction in commission to a maximum of 10 percent. Currently, Bolt charges 20 percent on each trip.
The union is also asking for full transparency in trip fare breakdown, introduction of a welfare and insurance package, safety guarantees and an end to arbitrary blocking and deactivation of drivers’ accounts.
It further appealed to fleet managers and vehicle financing companies such as Moove and LagRide to suspend daily remittances for the duration of the action and not to penalise participating drivers.
The union said the exercise is peaceful and urged members to remain united and law-abiding, describing it as a statement on the value of their labour.
In response, Bolt has called for dialogue and proposed a roundtable meeting with AUATON and driver representatives early next week, noting that it understands the economic pressures facing drivers.
The development comes weeks after Uber announced its exit from Nigeria on September 2, 2026, leaving Bolt and inDrive as the dominant e-hailing platforms.
Commuters in parts of Lagos have already reported difficulty getting rides on both apps, with longer waiting times and fare surges since the commencement of the strike.
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