E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have commenced an indefinite strike over disputes concerning fares, platform commissions, deductions and their welfare.
The Punch reported that the industrial action was announced by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria in a notice issued ahead of the strike, which began on Monday.
The union said the action would continue until further notice or satisfactory progress was made towards resolving the drivers’ complaints.
AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, said the strike followed unresolved concerns about operational policies, drivers’ welfare, safety, security and the long-term viability of their businesses.
“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” the union said.
According to the union, the decision to withdraw services was aimed at addressing difficulties affecting drivers’ earnings and working conditions.
As part of measures to ease the financial burden on drivers during the strike, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to temporarily suspend daily remittance obligations and other operational targets.
“During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise.
“We, therefore, appeal to fleet partners to refrain from imposing penalties, sanctions or adverse measures solely on the basis of a driver’s participation in the action, as drivers are not expected to operate during this period,” the notice read.
The union also announced plans to deploy its task force across all local government areas in Lagos to monitor compliance with the strike directive.
It warned that drivers who continued operating in defiance of the directive could face disciplinary action under the union’s internal regulations.
Despite the industrial action, AUATON urged fleet owners, managers and affected drivers to maintain communication and pursue constructive discussions to resolve the disagreements.
The union argued that addressing the drivers’ demands would benefit both drivers and fleet partners by improving earnings, strengthening welfare provisions and creating more sustainable working arrangements.
“Meaningful improvements in driver earnings, welfare and operating conditions may contribute to improved driver retention and reduced turnover, better driver commitment and engagement, more sustainable vehicle utilisation and reduced operational disputes between drivers and fleet partners,” it said.
AUATON added that better earnings could also encourage proper vehicle maintenance and promote greater stability in the app-based transport industry.
It stressed that the strike was not intended to cause unnecessary disruption to businesses but to secure improved operating conditions for drivers and other stakeholders in the sector.
The notice was signed by the Lagos State Chairman of AUATON, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners to understand the drivers’ position and cooperate with the union.
The union reaffirmed its willingness to engage in peaceful discussions with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the grievances that led to the strike.
