App Drivers Plan May 1 Shutdown Against Uber, Bolt, inDrive

Drivers under the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) plan to shut down Uber, Bolt, and inDrive services on May 1, 2025, also known as International Workers’ Day.

The union’s Lagos Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, told Technext that at least 5,000 drivers will switch off their apps to protest poor working conditions.

“On May 1, we will stay off the apps, stop working for 24 hours, and demand that our rights be respected,” he said.

Drivers Say App Companies Ignore Their Complaints

The Lagos spokesperson explained that the planned protest aligns with a global movement by app-based transport workers. He said companies like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive have refused to listen to drivers, even after several attempts at peaceful dialogue.

Iwindoye said drivers are demanding better pay, safer working conditions, and respect from the companies. However, he accused the platforms of focusing only on profits and ignoring the drivers’ welfare.

“We’ve tried dialogue, but it hasn’t worked. These companies understand only one thing — economic pressure,” he said.

Some drivers told Technext they fully support the shutdown. One said app companies are treating drivers unfairly, reducing fares without thinking about the impact on drivers’ earnings.

“The job is frustrating. Many drivers can’t fix their cars when they break down. These apps cut prices without helping us,” one driver complained.

Previous Protests Targeted Bolt and inDrive

In February 2025, Bolt drivers protested after the company slashed fares by about 50%. According to the drivers, the new rates were too low, even for those using cheaper CNG-powered vehicles.

The union said Bolt claimed a group of drivers asked for the fare cut. But Jaiyesimi Azeez, chairman of the Lagos union chapter, said the claim was false. He accused Bolt of forming fake driver groups to control decisions and mislead the public.

“No drivers asked for a price cut. Bolt uses tactics like this to control us,” Azeez said.

Although Bolt later returned to the old fare system, the drivers said the damage had been done. They believe inDrive is the main reason app companies are slashing prices, as the platform pushes extremely low fares to win more customers.

On April 1, AUATON drivers boycotted inDrive, accusing the company of focusing only on commissions and ignoring drivers’ needs.

“inDrive will show a trip as ₦8,000, then cut it to ₦6,000. It has to stop,” a driver said.

Another added, “inDrive only plays one card — low prices. That’s why Uber and Bolt are cutting fares too.”

Union Says Drivers Deserve Respect

The Lagos AUATON branch reminded the public that drivers are the backbone of ride-hailing services. In a statement to Technext, Iwindoye said drivers have reached their breaking point.

He added that inDrive’s new feature, which lets riders cut prices by up to 50%, was the final straw. He said drivers are tired of being overworked and underpaid, while still expected to offer high-quality service.

Despite the April boycott, inDrive claimed it saw no impact. The company said it had enough new drivers to replace those who left.

When asked if the May 1 shutdown would be more effective, Iwindoye said the union is more prepared this time.

“Believe me, this will be different,” he said.

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