Lagos Ride Hailing Drivers Launch Three Day Strike to Protest Unsustainable Fares and Surging Operational Costs

Ride-hailing drivers in Lagos strike over high fuel costs and low fares. AUATON demands fare reviews and commission cuts from Uber, Bolt, and Lagride.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 11:10 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Leadership

Industrial Action Paralyzes App Based Transport

Thousands of ride hailing drivers in Lagos have officially commenced a three day strike, logging off from major platforms including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride. The industrial action, which began on Monday, March 16, 2026, was orchestrated by the Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON). According to the union’s public relations officer, Steven Iwindoye, the protest is a direct response to the deteriorating economic conditions facing drivers. The strike has significantly impacted the mobility of commuters across the metropolitan area, highlighting the critical role these digital platforms play in the city's transportation infrastructure.

Economic Pressures Eroding Driver Earnings

The primary catalyst for the strike is a widening gap between rising operational expenses and stagnant fare structures. Iwindoye explained that drivers are currently grappling with unprecedented fuel prices, high vehicle maintenance costs, and a general inflationary trend that has made daily living expenses unsustainable. Despite these shifting economic realities, ride hailing companies have reportedly refused to adjust their pricing policies. Consequently, many drivers find themselves working longer hours only to earn a net income that barely supports their families after platform commissions and fuel costs are deducted.

A Ten Point Mandate for Sector Reform

AUATON has presented a comprehensive list of ten demands to both the ride hailing companies and the Lagos State government. Central to these demands is an immediate review of fares to reflect the current costs of fuel and vehicle parts. Additionally, the union is calling for a significant reduction in the commissions charged by service providers and the implementation of a regulated minimum base fare to eliminate extremely low paying trips. These measures are viewed by the union as essential safeguards to ensure the dignity and financial stability of the workforce.