On May 1, 2025—International Workers’ Day—drivers for Bolt, Uber, and other e-hailing platforms in Lagos will stage a 24-hour strike. Their message is clear: “We will not be ignored.” And for anyone watching the gig economy in Africa, this isn’t just a protest—it’s a reckoning.
The planned strike, organised by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), points to a growing crisis in Nigeria’s platform-based labour system. Drivers are demanding fair pay, better working conditions, and protection from exploitative practices—issues that strike at the heart of the tech-driven ride-hailing model.
The Broken Promise of Gig Work
When Bolt entered Nigeria in 2016, it promised flexibility, entrepreneurship, and income for thousands. That was the allure of the “gig economy”—be your own boss, work on your terms, and earn more than you could in a traditional job.
But nearly a decade later, drivers are telling a different story. Many say they’re trapped in a system where platforms set the prices, raise commission rates, deactivate accounts without notice, and expose them to rising fuel costs and unsafe working conditions—all while limiting their ability to organise or negotiate.
AUATON’s strike is not just about Bolt or Uber. It’s about the structural imbalance in the platform economy, where algorithms have replaced managers, but the power dynamics remain the same—or worse.
Why the Strike Matters
This isn’t the first time drivers have protested, but the May Day timing makes this symbolic. While tech companies like to frame themselves as innovation pioneers, their labour model is increasingly being challenged—not only in Lagos but globally.
What we’re seeing is a shift from individual complaints to collective action. AUATON has evolved into an organised voice with clear demands: fair commission structures, dispute resolution mechanisms, safer ride protocols, and legal recognition of drivers as legitimate workers—not just app users.
What Comes Next?
Bolt says it’s open to dialogue—a promising step. But dialogue alone won’t fix the problem. What’s needed is a reimagining of platform labour in Nigeria. That includes:
- Transparent pricing models
- Worker protections and appeal rights
- Real partnership between drivers and platforms
- Regulatory frameworks for platform accountability
The Lagos strike is a wake-up call. If Nigeria’s ride-hailing platforms want to retain their drivers—and their credibility—they must build systems that serve not just passengers, but the people behind the wheel.
Because the future of mobility isn’t just about tech—it’s about fairness.
