App-based ride-hailing services in Lagos may come to a standstill on 1 May as the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has declared a 24-hour strike to protest what it calls worsening working conditions for drivers across platforms such as Bolt, Uber, and inDrive.
In a statement released on Tuesday, AUATON’s Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, announced that the union’s members would go offline on International Workers’ Day in a coordinated effort to demand urgent reforms from the app companies.
“Our members will be logging off, refusing to operate, and insisting that their rights be upheld,” said Iwindoye, describing the move as a response to what the union sees as “anti-labour practices” and an increasingly unsustainable working environment.
The union is protesting against a range of longstanding issues. Chief among them is what drivers see as unreasonably low earnings that fail to reflect the rising costs of fuel and the general cost of living in Lagos. They are also demanding an immediate end to what they term “unjust deactivations,” the abrupt removal of drivers from platforms without adequate explanation or access to an appeals process.
A major grievance centres on the hefty commissions taken by app companies, which drivers argue significantly reduce their actual income. The union says this has left many workers unable to meet basic financial needs, despite putting in long hours.
AUATON is also calling for stronger safety measures. One demand is for stricter rider identification procedures to help reduce risks faced by drivers, particularly during late-night operations.
Another point of contention is the use of compulsory facial recognition technology by some platforms. The union has expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding how this biometric data is stored and used, warning of potential privacy violations.
“This is not just about money,” said Iwindoye. “Our members are asking for dignity, for safety, and for fairness. They want to be able to work in an environment that does not put their wellbeing or privacy at risk, and to earn a living they can actually survive on.”
The proposed strike marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s expanding gig economy, where e-hailing drivers now form a substantial and increasingly organised segment of the workforce.
If the protest goes ahead, it could lead to major disruptions for thousands of Lagos commuters who depend daily on app-based transport for mobility. The timing of the strike, on International Workers’ Day, underscores its symbolic weight, aligning with broader labour movements across the globe.
Observers note that the dispute reflects wider global tensions between platform-based companies and gig workers. In various cities around the world, similar battles are being waged over fair pay, workers’ rights, job security, and the right to organise.
AUATON’s demands mirror international calls for the formal recognition of gig workers, the establishment of minimum labour standards, and better representation in decision-making processes.
As 1 May approaches, pressure is mounting on the app companies to enter negotiations with the union. The outcome could reshape the landscape of app-based transport in Nigeria and potentially trigger a regulatory response from the government.
For now, the drivers say they are resolute. “We want to be heard. We want to be treated fairly. And we’re prepared to bring the system to a halt to make sure that message is clear,” said one driver, who requested anonymity.