The Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has declared a 24-hour strike on May 1, coinciding with International Workers' Day. The move is a protest against what the union describes as exploitative practices by major ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Bolt, Lagride, inDrive, and Rida.
According to AUATON’s spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye, drivers have endured a raft of unfair conditions — from high commission deductions and unregulated facial recognition technology to poor safety measures and abrupt account suspensions.
The union claims that ride-hailing platforms prioritize profit over driver welfare and have refused to engage in meaningful negotiations.
The planned strike is expected to significantly disrupt ride-hailing services across Lagos as drivers withdraw in solidarity to demand wage structure reforms, improved safety, and stronger worker protections.
“We have been pushed to the wall. Our members are struggling to make ends meet, while the platforms continue to increase their take without accountability. Enough is enough,” the statement reads.
AUATON urges the public to support their call for fairer conditions in Nigeria’s growing gig economy.