Monday, October 12, 2026 - E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have declared an indefinite strike over disputes concerning fares, platform commissions, deductions and their welfare.
The drivers, operating under the Amalgamated Union of
App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, AUATON, announced the action in a
notice yesterday, stating that it would begin on Monday and remain in force
until further notice or satisfactory progress was made towards resolving their
grievances.
AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour
Congress, NLC, said the decision followed unresolved concerns about
operational policies, drivers’ welfare, safety, security and the long-term
viability of their work.
“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to
draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” the
union said.
It explained that the strike was intended to compel action
on issues affecting drivers’ earnings and working conditions.
Anticipating the financial difficulties drivers could face
during the industrial action, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to
temporarily suspend daily remittance requirements and related 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 State to monitor compliance with the
strike directive.
It warned that drivers who continued operating in defiance
of its instructions could face disciplinary action under its internal rules.
AUATON urged fleet owners, managers and drivers to maintain
open communication and engage in constructive discussions to resolve the
disputes throughout the strike.
The union argued that meeting its demands could improve the
sustainability of app-based transport operations by increasing drivers’
earnings, strengthening welfare provisions and improving working conditions.
“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.
It added that better earnings could also support vehicle
maintenance and promote greater stability across the app-based transport
sector.
AUATON maintained that its intention was not to cause
unnecessary disruption to businesses but to push for improved working
conditions for drivers and other stakeholders in the industry.
The notice was signed by the union’s Lagos State Chairman,
Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet
partners to show understanding and cooperate during the industrial action.
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 prompted the strike.
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