Ride-hailing company Bolt has opened the door to negotiations with the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) as drivers prepare to withdraw their services over concerns about fares, commissions and rising operating costs.
The union’s Lagos State Council called on drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive to suspend services from Monday, October 12, 2026, until their demands are addressed.
The planned industrial action reflects growing dissatisfaction among drivers who say the cost of running their vehicles has continued to rise while existing fare structures and platform charges put pressure on their earnings.
In response, Bolt said it recognised the economic difficulties facing drivers and was willing to engage with the union to find practical solutions.
Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy for Africa, said the company took the concerns seriously and believed open discussions offered the best way to address the dispute.
The company said it planned to hold a roundtable meeting with AUATON and driver representatives early next week to discuss their concerns and explore areas of cooperation.
Bolt also encouraged drivers to continue providing services while discussions were ongoing, expressing its commitment to maintaining a sustainable ride-hailing environment for drivers, passengers and platform operators.
Drivers Demand Fairer Fares and Lower Commissions
AUATON has identified several issues behind the planned withdrawal, including fare structures, platform commissions, driver welfare and limited protection against arbitrary deactivation.
The union argues that drivers are struggling to maintain profitable operations as fuel, vehicle repairs, tyres, insurance, data subscriptions and vehicle financing expenses continue to weigh on their income.
It has called for a review of fares to reflect prevailing economic conditions and the actual cost of providing transportation services.
The union is also demanding a reduction in platform commissions, targeting a maximum of 10 per cent, alongside greater transparency in how fares, deductions and driver earnings are calculated.
According to AUATON, drivers should receive clearer information about passenger payments, platform charges, promotional deductions and the amounts credited to their accounts after each trip.
It has also called for stronger welfare provisions, including health insurance, accident support and emergency assistance, as well as improved safety measures for drivers.
The union maintains that meaningful engagement with platform operators is necessary to address these concerns and improve working conditions across the ride-hailing industry.
Bolt Seeks Dialogue as Shutdown Looms
Bolt’s response signals a willingness to discuss the dispute as the union pushes for changes to the conditions under which drivers operate.
The company said drivers remained central to the ride-hailing ecosystem and acknowledged the importance of creating an environment in which they could continue earning sustainably.
It added that constructive engagement could help identify practical improvements while ensuring that services remained safe, reliable and accessible to passengers.
However, the proposed meeting has yet to produce an announced agreement on fares, commissions or welfare provisions.
AUATON has maintained that the planned withdrawal is intended to press for concrete action on its demands, rather than serve as a symbolic protest.
The union’s position comes amid wider concerns about the financial pressures facing app-based transporters, many of whom depend on daily earnings to cover personal expenses, vehicle repayments and maintenance costs.
For drivers operating under hire-purchase arrangements or rental agreements, remaining offline for an extended period could also create additional financial difficulties.
What the Dispute Means for Passengers
The planned withdrawal could affect the availability of Bolt and inDrive rides in Lagos if a significant number of drivers participate.
Passengers may experience longer waiting times or fewer available vehicles, although the scale of any disruption will depend on driver participation.
The dispute also highlights a broader challenge facing ride-hailing companies as they seek to balance affordable fares for passengers with the operating costs and earnings expectations of drivers.
While competitive pricing can attract customers, drivers argue that fares and platform deductions must leave sufficient income to cover vehicle expenses and provide a sustainable livelihood.
For the companies, the challenge is to maintain reliable services while responding to concerns from the drivers whose vehicles and labour support their operations.
Bolt’s proposed engagement with AUATON could provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss possible changes.
However, the outcome will depend on whether the talks lead to measures that drivers consider meaningful.
As the planned shutdown approaches, attention remains on the proposed negotiations and whether they can resolve the disagreement before it causes wider disruption to ride-hailing services in Lagos.
Source: Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria and AUATON statements.
