Lagos, Nigeria – Drivers working on the Bolt ride-hailing platform in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, have publicly complained about unsustainable earnings and deteriorating working conditions.
The grievances were raised by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, a labor group representing drivers on app-based transport platforms.
Okay News reports that the union’s spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye, said drivers are left with very little income after platform commissions and operational costs are deducted, despite working long hours daily.
“This situation is not only unfair, but also threatens the livelihood and dignity of thousands of hardworking drivers who depend on this work to support their families,” Iwindoye said.
The union also raised concerns about safety risks, unfair account deactivations and policy changes introduced without consulting drivers. Iwindoye said drivers had participated in previous stakeholder meetings expecting concrete reforms, but that those discussions had not produced meaningful improvements.
“At this critical moment, drivers are demanding real reforms, fair pricing structures, transparent policies and stronger protection for those who power the platform,” he said.
Fuel costs remain the single largest expense for ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria. Rising crude oil prices, driven partly by tensions in the Middle East, have pushed up pump prices across the country. Nigeria’s removal of its longstanding petrol subsidy in 2023 compounded the pressure, directly reducing how much drivers take home per trip.
This is not the first time Bolt drivers in Lagos have voiced frustration. Last year, drivers opposed an alleged 50 percent fare reduction by the company. Drivers across Bolt, Uber and other platforms subsequently staged a 24-hour shutdown to protest low wages, high commissions and unsafe working conditions.
The union has warned that drivers could abandon major ride-hailing platforms entirely if demands for better earnings, lower commissions and improved working conditions are not addressed.
