LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Ride-hailing drivers in Lagos have raised alarm over shrinking earnings on the Bolt platform, saying soaring fuel prices plus vehicle maintenance costs are pushing many operators to the brink despite working long hours.
Citing worsening economic conditions, drivers operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), say current fuel prices, expensive vehicle maintenance plus other operational costs have sharply reduced their profit and made the business increasingly difficult to sustain.
According to the union’s Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, current fare rates offered through the platform no longer reflect the realities of operating in Nigeria’s transport sector.
He warned that the situation is placing financial pressure on thousands of drivers who rely on ride-hailing services as their primary source of income.
“After deductions for platform commissions and operational costs, many drivers are left with very little income despite working long hours daily. This situation is not only unfair, but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of hardworking drivers who depend on this work to support their families,” Iwindoye said in a statement.
Also, drivers also raised issues surrounding safety, sudden account deactivations, and platform policies introduced without sufficient consultation with operators. The union leaders explained that several meetings had previously been held with the expectation that they would lead to practical improvements.
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“However, many of such engagements have not resulted in practical improvements for drivers,” Iwindoye said.
Transport workers are now demanding a review of pricing structures alongside clearer policies that protect drivers from arbitrary decisions by platform operators.
“At this critical moment, drivers are demanding real reforms, fair pricing structures, transparent policies plus stronger protection for those who power the platform,” the AUATON spokesman stated.
Despite these setbacks, the union urged drivers to remain united while exercising caution over a proposed industry roundtable until there are clear assurances that the discussions will produce meaningful solutions.
“The voice of drivers must not be ignored, and their concerns must be treated with the seriousness they deserve,” Iwindoye concluded, reiterating that sustainable pricing remains critical to keeping thousands of vehicles on the road.
(NAN)
