E-hailing drivers begin indefinite strike in Lagos

E-hailing drivers in Lagos have announced an indefinite strike from Monday over concerns about their earnings, welfare, safety, and operating conditions.

The Lagos e-hailing drivers, under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), said the industrial action would continue until further notice or satisfactory progress was made in addressing their grievances.

In a notice on Saturday, the union, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the strike followed persistent concerns over operational policies, drivers’ welfare, safety, security and the sustainability of their operations.

ALSO READ: Ogun declares war on building collapse as regulators, artisans unite in Ilaro

“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” the union said.

It added that the decision to embark on the strike was driven by the need to address challenges affecting drivers’ earnings and working conditions.

Ahead of the industrial action, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to grant drivers temporary relief from daily remittance obligations and related operational targets throughout the strike.

“During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise.

“We, therefore, appeal to fleet partners to refrain from imposing penalties, sanctions or adverse measures solely on the basis of a driver’s participation in the action, as drivers are not expected to operate during this period,” the notice read.

The union said its task force would be deployed across all local government areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the strike.

It warned that drivers who operated in violation of its directives could face sanctions under its internal disciplinary measures.

AUATON, however, urged fleet owners, managers and affected drivers to maintain open communication and address operational concerns through constructive engagement during the strike.

The union said improved earnings, welfare and operating conditions could help retain drivers, reduce turnover, strengthen commitment and promote more sustainable vehicle utilisation.

It added that better earnings could also improve vehicle maintenance and reduce disputes between drivers and fleet partners, thereby promoting stability in the app-based transport sector.

The union stressed that its objective was not to disrupt businesses unnecessarily but to advocate better operating conditions for drivers and other stakeholders.

The notice was signed by AUATON’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners for understanding and cooperation.

The union reiterated its commitment to peaceful engagement and dialogue with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the issues behind the planned industrial action.