Lagos, Nigeria – Travelers in Lagos could face significant disruptions on International Workers’ Day, May 1st, 2025, as drivers operating under major ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Lagride, and Rida plan a 24-hour shutdown. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has announced this protest to demand fairer working conditions, livable wages, and the fundamental protection of their rights. This coordinated action on a globally recognized day for workers’ rights underscores the growing discontent among these essential service providers.
Comrade Azeez, the Lagos State Chairman of AUATON, speaking live on Africa’s Travel Radio, articulated the drivers’ grievances to a wide audience spanning Nigeria, the UK, the US, Canada, and several European and African nations. He emphasized that these app-based drivers, who provide round-the-clock transportation services, are protesting against what they perceive as exploitative practices by the app companies.
“These app companies have turned themselves into slave masters,” Comrade Aziz declared with palpable frustration. “They call us partners, but they treat us like we are nothing. Their sole concern is profit, disregarding our welfare entirely.”
He highlighted the stark reality faced by drivers who bear the brunt of rising operational costs, including soaring fuel prices and the need for vehicle maintenance, all while the app companies maintain stagnant or even reduced fare structures. This economic squeeze disproportionately impacts Black and African drivers, many of whom rely on these services as their primary source of income, often having turned to it as an alternative to precarious or non-existent employment opportunities.
The union’s demands center on a significant reduction in the commission rates charged by the app companies, proposing a cap of 5%. Comrade Azeez illustrated the current burden by pointing out that commissions as high as 25% on a ₦5,000 ride leave drivers with a significantly reduced earning, barely enough to cover operational expenses, let alone provide a decent living for their families.
Furthermore, the union is vehemently protesting the lack of adequate security and support for drivers. Comrade Aziz recounted harrowing instances of drivers being murdered, robbed, and female drivers being raped, alleging that the app companies often fail to cooperate fully with investigations or implement sufficient preventative measures.
“These app companies prioritize profit over the lives and safety of their drivers,”
he asserted. He criticized the disparity in verification processes, where drivers undergo stringent profiling, including facial recognition, while riders can often use pseudonyms, creating an environment where criminals can exploit the platform with relative anonymity. This lack of rider accountability disproportionately endangers Black and African drivers who may be unfairly targeted.
The choice of International Workers’ Day for this protest is deliberate, aligning their struggle with a global movement for fair labor practices. Comrade Azeez pointed out that similar log-offs are planned in the US, the UK, Ghana, and other regions, indicating a widespread concern among gig economy drivers internationally.
He specifically called out inDrive for what he described as “bullying and mocking” of drivers through promotional activities that seemingly disregard driver welfare. He contrasted lavish spending on marketing stunts with the lack of meaningful support for drivers who work tirelessly, often at the expense of their health and safety.
Adding his perspective, another representative emphasized the “game of divide and rule” employed by the app companies, accusing them of treating Nigerian drivers as “slaves” with no comprehensive insurance or compensation for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. He challenged the companies to provide evidence of any significant compensation paid to bereaved families.
The union leaders stressed that their demand for a 5% commission is part of a larger call for a holistic package that ensures drivers feel valued, respected, and secure in their profession. They envision a collaborative relationship with app companies where drivers are treated as integral stakeholders rather than disposable resources.
While acknowledging the potential for price regulation by the government to prevent monopolization, Comrade Azeez defended the drivers’ right to determine their pricing, arguing that their services offer a higher standard of convenience and vehicle quality compared to traditional taxis. He lamented the destructive impact of price wars initiated by some apps, which have eroded standards and compromised driver earnings.
Addressing concerns about unprofessional driver behavior, Comrade Azeez suggested that the app companies’ exploitative practices and lack of driver dignity contribute significantly to frustration and potentially negative interactions with passengers. He emphasized that fair treatment and adequate compensation would likely foster greater professionalism.
Looking ahead, AUATON indicated a willingness to collaborate with app companies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to fair practices, hinting at a potential shift of drivers to platforms that are more “driver-centric.” They have a document, the “Lagos Restorative Justice,” outlining their demands, which they urge indigenous app developers to consider.
The planned shutdown on May 1st serves as a stark warning to both the app companies and the commuting public in Lagos. It highlights the critical role these drivers play in the city’s transportation ecosystem and the potential consequences of neglecting their welfare. For Black and African communities in Lagos, who rely heavily on these services for their daily commutes and livelihoods, the outcome of this protest could have far-reaching implications for their economic stability and access to essential transportation. The situation also underscores the broader global issue of fair treatment and labor rights within the rapidly expanding gig economy, particularly its impact on marginalized communities.
