E-hailing drivers in Lagos working with platforms such as Bolt, Uber, and Indrive have announced plans to withdraw their services on May 1, 2025, in protest against what they describe as exploitative work conditions and anti-labour practices by app-based companies.
This was made known through a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Steven Iwindoye, on Tuesday.
The drivers threatened to stay off the app on International Workers’ Day to demand fair compensation, safer working conditions, and respect for their rights.
AUATON and the app companies have been at loggerheads over various issues concerning respect for labour laws, poor wages, sudden and unjust deactivations, insecurity, and unsafe working environments. among others.
Drivers are also challenging excessive commission charges, the absence of proper rider identification, mandatory facial recognition systems, and other policies they describe as exploitative.
The statement read, “The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, is planning a 24-hour protest on May Day over alleged anti-labour practices by app-based companies, including Uber, Bolt.
“Our members would be staying off the apps, refusing to work, and demanding that their rights be respected.
We are protesting against poor wages, unjust deactivations, insecurity, and unsafe working conditions. Others are excessive commissions taken by app companies, lack of proper rider profiles, mandatory facial recognition systems, and harmful and exploitative work policies.”
