The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transport Workers of Nigeria, which represents Uber, Bolt, and LagRide Indriver drivers, has issued a sit-at-home directive until the ride-hailing companies raise their base fees.
Kolawole Aina, the National Vice President for Southwest Nigeria of the AUATWON, stated that “each local government in Lagos State and, by extension, all states in Nigeria will be protesting today at the same time.”
From now through Friday, all e-hailing systems will be offline, Aina told TechCabal.
He continued, “The riders should find another alternative,”
AUATWON is hoping that the strike will end quickly, though. According to Somoye Olalekan, the union’s public relations officer, who is leading the demonstration in Ifako Ijaiye local government, another venue for today’s strike, “the strike may not have to last that long if they (Uber and Bolt) do what we ask in time,” the strike may not last as long as expected.
In addition to other parts of the country, Edo State has started to see protest activity.
AUATWON is requesting a minimum 200% price increase from ride-hailing businesses. The union is also requesting an end to the deactivation of drivers who refuse to work because to the low fares and resulting unprofitability, as well as a 50% drop in commission (Uber and Bolt charge 20% commission on each ride). The union is also requesting that AUATWON be acknowledged as the official representation entity for the riders.
