A storm is brewing in the ride-hailing industry as app-based transporters are gearing up to protest a controversial 50% fare cut imposed by Bolt, a leading ride-hailing company. The move has sparked intense outrage among drivers, with the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, calling for immediate action.
AUATON, which represents a large portion of the ride-hailing community, is vehemently opposing the drastic reduction in earnings, describing it as a blow to the already struggling drivers. In a statement released on Sunday, the union’s Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Mr. Steven Iwindoye, emphasized the financial strain that many drivers are enduring due to this latest decision by Bolt.
“This drastic reduction in earnings has severe negative impacts on all AUATON members,” Iwindoye remarked. “Many of our members are already grappling with rising costs of living, and this sudden cut could push them over the edge.”
The price slash, which Bolt claims is intended to increase customer demand, has instead led to a significant backlash from its drivers, who argue that their livelihoods are being compromised. According to AUATON, this is just the latest in a series of price reductions that have eroded the already fragile income of app-based transporters.
“This is not the first time we are seeing such cuts. Bolt, Uber, Indrive, and Rida have all implemented measures that make it increasingly difficult for drivers to earn a decent living. The situation has now reached a breaking point,” Iwindoye added.
With tensions rising, the union is preparing for a state-wide protest to voice their opposition to the fare slash. The protest, which is expected to draw thousands of drivers from across Lagos, aims to put pressure on the ride-hailing giant to reverse the decision.
“Bolt has to understand that the drivers are the backbone of this industry. Without us, there would be no service. We are calling on all drivers, regardless of union affiliation, to stand together,” Iwindoye declared, urging drivers to join the upcoming protest. “We cannot afford to have any drivers undermine this effort by continuing to work under these unfair conditions.”
Despite the strong call for unity, Iwindoye acknowledged that some drivers have been reluctant to join the movement. He pointed out that a few drivers have been working against the collective effort, either out of fear of losing their jobs or due to personal interests.
“Unfortunately, some drivers have become obstacles to progress in this industry. But this is a fight for all of us, and we must come together,” Iwindoye said. “This protest is our chance to put aside our differences and work towards a common goal: a fairer and more sustainable working environment for all app-based drivers.”
As preparations for the protest intensify, drivers are also encouraged to take preliminary steps to make their voices heard. AUATON has suggested that drivers start by writing to Bolt, expressing their dissatisfaction with the price cuts and demanding a fairer pay structure.
“We must start showing our collective strength now,” Iwindoye emphasized. “Writing to Bolt is the first step. Let them know how this affects us and why they need to reconsider this decision.”
The call for solidarity among drivers is gaining traction as more and more workers in the sector are realizing the extent of the financial difficulties caused by the price cuts. With fuel costs and maintenance fees rising, many drivers are now questioning whether the ride-hailing model is sustainable for them in the long run.
“We are working longer hours, dealing with traffic, and paying for maintenance, yet our earnings are being slashed in half. This is not acceptable,” said one anonymous driver who joined the movement.
The union’s call for protest resonates not just in Lagos but across Nigeria, where app-based transporters have become an essential part of the daily commute for millions of people. The impact of the fare cuts is felt beyond the drivers themselves, affecting the livelihoods of families who depend on their earnings.
“We are calling on all AUATON members to stand together and use their collective power to bring about change,” Iwindoye asserted. “If we want a better future for ourselves, we must take bold action now.”
Bolt, which has yet to publicly respond to the union’s statement, continues to maintain that the price cuts are part of a strategy to make their services more accessible to customers. However, this explanation has done little to quell the anger among drivers, who feel their concerns are being ignored by the company.
“We understand that Bolt wants to increase its customer base, but they cannot do so at the expense of the drivers,” Iwindoye said. “If Bolt doesn’t listen to us, we will have no choice but to escalate this protest until we get the fairness and respect we deserve.”
The AUATON spokesman is clear in his message: this protest is about more than just a fare reduction. It’s about securing fair treatment for all app-based transport workers in the face of what they see as corporate exploitation.
“We’ve reached a point where we can no longer accept the status quo. The future of the entire industry is at stake, and this is our chance to make our voices heard,” Iwindoye concluded.
As the protest date draws closer, the ride-hailing industry in Nigeria stands on the brink of a major showdown between drivers and the companies that control their fate. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the sector’s future, and the demands for fair wages and working conditions are only expected to intensify.
