A major disruption has hit the operations of the inDrive ride-hailing platform in Lagos, following a strike by drivers over rising security concerns and exploitative fare policies. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, announced on Wednesday that its members would no longer accept rides from inDrive, demanding immediate reforms from the company.
The union’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Steven Iwindoye, condemned inDrive for what he described as its failure to implement adequate safety measures for both drivers and passengers. He also criticized the company’s fare system, which he argued left drivers struggling to make a sustainable income.
Iwindoye’s statement highlighted that the primary reason for the strike was the lack of proper rider verification on the inDrive platform. According to him, this absence of verification has led to an increase in criminal activities, including the robbery and even killing of drivers. He claimed that criminals could easily use the platform to pose as passengers, only to later attack unsuspecting drivers.
“The lack of a robust security system has cost many drivers their lives. Criminals can easily access the platform by pretending to be passengers, leading to dangerous and sometimes deadly encounters,” Iwindoye said.
The union believes that if inDrive had implemented a proper verification system, it could have prevented these tragic incidents. Iwindoye further emphasized that better rider verification, including cross-referencing riders with a database of trusted drivers, could have significantly reduced the risks for drivers.
In addition to security concerns, Iwindoye sharply criticized inDrive’s fare system. He claimed that the platform’s fare model, which allows passengers to negotiate fares, had led to serious financial challenges for drivers.
According to Iwindoye, the ability for passengers to negotiate fares has often resulted in drivers being forced to accept fares that do not cover their operational costs. He cited the rising prices of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and other expenses that make it increasingly difficult for drivers to make a living.
“Fuel costs and vehicle maintenance have skyrocketed, yet inDrive allows passengers to dictate fares that barely cover our costs,” he said. “We are being exploited by this system. Drivers are struggling, and it’s unacceptable. We cannot continue working under these conditions.”
Reports suggest that passengers on the platform have been able to reduce fares by as much as 50 percent in some cases, further exacerbating the financial hardship that many drivers are facing. The union is calling for a fairer fare structure that reflects the increasing costs of transportation.
Iwindoye emphasized that the union’s strike would continue until the company addressed these issues. “We will not return to work until inDrive prioritizes our safety, dignity, and well-being,” he declared.
AUATON has put forward several key demands that they believe will help improve the working conditions of drivers and create a safer environment. These demands include:
1. A comprehensive verification system for both riders and drivers to ensure security.
2. A fairer fare structure that reflects the rising costs of operating a vehicle in Nigeria.
3. A more responsive support system to address drivers’ concerns in real-time.
4. Recognition of drivers’ rights and fair treatment within the platform.
“We are calling on the government and relevant regulatory agencies to intervene and ensure that inDrive operates transparently and safely,” Iwindoye said. “The current situation cannot continue.”
In response to the strike, inDrive’s Africa Public Relations Manager, Lineo Thakhisi, defended the company’s operations, stressing that the platform was built on principles of fairness, transparency, and choice. Thakhisi explained that inDrive’s fare negotiation model was designed to give drivers more control over their earnings by allowing them to set their own fares.
“Unlike traditional ride-hailing models, inDrive allows drivers to set their own fares and negotiate directly with passengers. This ensures that drivers have greater control over how much they earn,” Thakhisi said.
Thakhisi also highlighted that inDrive offers the lowest commission rates in Nigeria, which means drivers are able to take home a larger portion of their earnings compared to other platforms.
Regarding security concerns, Thakhisi assured the public that inDrive had implemented several safety features to protect both drivers and passengers. These include trip verification measures, emergency assistance options, and a robust rating system that allows users to provide feedback on their experiences.
“We continuously assess and enhance these security measures to ensure a safer experience for all users,” she said.
Thakhisi also called for open dialogue with the drivers and unions, stating that the company was committed to collaborating with stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the union. “We are open to constructive dialogue with drivers and unions to work together to enhance security, improve driver earnings, and create a more supportive environment for all,” she said.
As the strike continues, the impact on riders is already being felt across Lagos. Thousands of passengers are now unable to access inDrive services, forcing them to seek alternative transportation options. Some commuters have turned to traditional taxi services, while others are relying on other ride-hailing platforms. However, many passengers are expressing frustration over the inconvenience caused by the disruption.
The standoff between the union and inDrive could also have ripple effects beyond Lagos. The platform’s operations in other states may be affected, depending on whether other drivers follow the Lagos-based strike or choose to continue accepting rides.
The government and regulatory agencies in Lagos and across Nigeria will likely be watching the situation closely. The strike has raised important questions about the regulation of ride-hailing platforms, drivers’ rights, and the security of both drivers and passengers.
The strike by inDrive drivers highlights the larger issue of regulation in the ride-hailing industry. With the rapid rise of ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive, there have been increasing calls for stricter oversight to protect both drivers and passengers.
Many drivers have expressed concerns about safety, fair compensation, and the lack of support from the companies they work for. While these platforms promise flexibility and independence for drivers, some feel that the reality is often different, with low earnings and inadequate safety measures.
Regulatory authorities in Nigeria may soon have to step in to address these issues and ensure that ride-hailing services operate in a way that is both fair and secure for everyone involved.
