Ride-Hailing drivers in Lagos, operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), are gearing up for a city-wide 24-hour strike on May 1, 2025. The planned action, coinciding with International Workers’ Day, is a bold protest against what they call “anti-labour practices” by leading ride-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Lagride, and Rida.
The strike is expected to disrupt mobility across Lagos, a city where many commuters rely heavily on ride-hailing services for daily transportation. At the heart of the protest are long-standing grievances: poor wages, sudden driver deactivations, insecurity, unfair commissions, and exploitative work policies. Drivers are also pushing back against issues such as mandatory facial recognition and the lack of proper rider identity verification.
According to Steven Iwindoye, Public Relations Officer of AUATON’s Lagos Chapter, previous dialogue attempts with the companies have failed to yield results. “These companies only understand one language—the language of economic pressure,” he said. “By shutting down our services, we’re sending a clear message that we won’t be ignored or disrespected.”
AUATON is mobilising at least 5,000 drivers to switch off their apps during the protest. The union believes this collective action will demonstrate the strength and unity of drivers who feel increasingly marginalised in a fast-growing digital economy. “It’s no longer business as usual,” Iwindoye added. “This protest is part of a global call to action for app-based transporters.”
For many drivers, the frustration runs deep. Some say they can no longer afford to maintain their vehicles, yet the platforms keep slashing fares to attract more riders—often without regard for the financial strain this places on drivers.
Related story: Nigerian drivers advocate for government regulation of the gig economy
This is not the first time the ride-hailing drivers have taken a stand. Earlier in the year, Bolt drivers staged a protest over a sudden fare slash, with some claiming the reduction was up to 50%. The company claimed the fare cuts were based on driver feedback, but union leaders refuted this, alleging manipulation and divide-and-conquer tactics. Similarly, inDrive has faced boycotts for allowing price negotiations that significantly reduce driver earnings.
Despite companies’ attempts to downplay the impact of past boycotts, AUATON insists the May Day strike will be different. “Believe me, this will be different,” said Iwindoye, emphasizing that the action will be backed by labour groups, media, and other stakeholders.
The union says this is just the beginning. Following the protest, it plans to release a formal list of demands and pursue structured negotiations to redefine the relationship between drivers and app-based platforms.
As Lagos prepares for possible disruptions on May 1, the spotlight is firmly on the gig economy’s growing pains—and the voices of the workers powering it.
