Amanze Chinonye
Ride-hailing company Uber has indicated its willingness to engage drivers in dialogue as a coordinated strike by app-based transport operators continues to disrupt services across Lagos, Prime Business Africa reports.
The protest, which began on March 16, saw drivers affiliated with platforms including Bolt log off their apps in a collective move to press home demands over pay and working conditions.
The action, spearheaded by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, is scheduled to last three days, with services expected to gradually resume after Wednesday, depending on the outcome of engagements with operators.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDrivers say the strike was triggered by a combination of declining earnings and rising operational costs, citing what they describe as unsustainably low fares and high commission rates charged by ride-hailing platforms.
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According to union representatives, many drivers are struggling to cope with the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and other expenses, warning that the current pricing structure leaves little room for profit.
In response to the disruption, Uber has signalled openness to discussions with driver representatives a move seen as an effort to ease tensions and prevent a prolonged shutdown of services in Nigeria’s busiest urban centre. Details of the proposed engagement, however, remain unclear.
The strike has had an immediate impact on commuters, with fewer ride-hailing vehicles available and transport costs rising as passengers turn to alternative means of travel.
The development highlights persistent tensions within Nigeria’s growing gig economy, where previous disputes between drivers and platform operators have often ended without lasting resolution.
Industry observers say the outcome of the planned dialogue could prove critical in determining whether the sector can achieve a more sustainable balance between platform interests and driver welfare.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
