Lagos, Nigeria – App-based drivers in Lagos, operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), have strongly condemned the recent 50% reduction in fares for Bolt drivers. The union has described the move as exploitative and is planning a statewide protest if the decision is not reversed.
According to AUATON’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Azeez, the fare reduction, which drivers began noticing last Friday, was implemented without prior consultation. When drivers reached out to Bolt for clarification, the company reportedly claimed that the price adjustment was requested by a group of drivers. However, Azeez and other union members have dismissed this claim as dubious, arguing that no driver would advocate for lower fares amid rising operational costs.
The union has expressed concerns that the fare slash will significantly impact drivers’ earnings, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods. The move is seen as part of a broader trend among ride-hailing companies such as Bolt, Uber, and inDrive, which have been systematically lowering fares in response to economic pressures. While these reductions may attract more passengers, drivers argue that they come at the expense of their financial stability.
In response, AUATON is mobilizing its members and other drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to resist the fare cut. The union has urged drivers to refrain from using the Bolt platform in protest and plans to announce a demonstration date soon.
As tensions escalate, industry observers warn that the ongoing conflict between ride-hailing companies and drivers could disrupt transportation services in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. The situation underscores the broader challenge of balancing competitive pricing with fair compensation for drivers in the country’s growing ride-hailing i
ndustry.
