Lagos: E-Hailing Drivers Strike AUATON Over Fares, Welfare

• E-hailing drivers in Lagos State began an indefinite strike on October 14, 2026, led by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON).
• The strike addresses concerns over fare structures, commissions, deductions, driver welfare, safety, and operational sustainability.
• AUATON has appealed to fleet owners to temporarily waive daily remittance obligations for drivers during the industrial action.
• A union task force is monitoring compliance, with warnings of sanctions for drivers who operate during the strike.
• The union believes improved conditions will boost driver retention, reduce turnover, and enhance sector stability.

The primary triggers for this industrial action include deep-seated issues related to fare structures, the commissions deducted by e-hailing platforms, and other financial deductions impacting drivers' net earnings.

E-hailing drivers across Lagos State initiated an indefinite industrial action on Monday, October 14, 2026, following an announcement made on the preceding Saturday. This significant Lagos app-based transport strike is spearheaded by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), an organization affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress. The union's decision to embark on this widespread Lagos e-hailing drivers strike AUATON stems from persistent and unresolved concerns regarding various aspects of their operations.

The primary triggers for this industrial action include deep-seated issues related to fare structures, the commissions deducted by e-hailing platforms, and other financial deductions impacting drivers' net earnings. Beyond monetary considerations, the drivers are also protesting what they describe as inadequate welfare provisions, safety concerns, security risks, and the overall sustainability of their app-based transportation businesses in the current operational climate. AUATON emphasized that despite numerous attempts by drivers and other stakeholders to bring these grievances to the attention of relevant parties, many critical issues have remained unaddressed, leading to the current impasse.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria has made it clear that the AUATON industrial action will persist until either further notice is provided or substantial progress is achieved in resolving the drivers' concerns. To mitigate the financial strain on its members during this period, the union has issued a crucial appeal to fleet owners and managers. It requests that these partners grant temporary relief from daily remittance obligations and other operational targets that drivers typically must meet.

AUATON highlighted that drivers will not be generating their usual revenue streams during the strike, which directly impacts their ability to fulfill these daily financial commitments. Consequently, the union urged fleet partners to refrain from imposing any penalties, sanctions, or adverse measures solely because a driver participates in the strike. To ensure compliance with the strike directives, AUATON has deployed a dedicated task force across all local government areas within Lagos State. This task force is mandated to monitor driver activity, and the union has warned that any driver found operating in violation of its instructions could face internal disciplinary sanctions. Despite these firm directives, the union, through its Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, also known as Makavelli, emphasized a commitment to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

The ongoing e-hailing fare dispute Nigeria underscores fundamental challenges within the app-based transportation sector, particularly concerning drivers welfare Lagos. AUATON contends that addressing their demands for improved earnings, enhanced welfare, and better operating conditions would yield significant benefits beyond just the drivers themselves. The union projects that such improvements could substantially boost driver retention, thereby reducing the high turnover rates often observed in the industry.

Furthermore, AUATON believes that a more satisfied and fairly compensated workforce would lead to greater driver commitment and engagement, more sustainable vehicle utilization, and a reduction in operational disputes between drivers and fleet partners. The union also pointed out that better earnings would enable drivers to maintain their vehicles more effectively, contributing to overall road safety and service quality. Ultimately, AUATON's objective is not to cause unnecessary disruption but to advocate for an environment that promotes stability and sustainability across the entire app-based transportation sector, benefiting all stakeholders in the long run.

Compliance officers and legal counsel for e-hailing platforms and fleet management companies in Lagos should assess potential service disruptions, review contractual obligations with drivers regarding remittances during industrial action, and monitor the union's demands to proactively address operational policy changes and driver welfare concerns to mitigate future disputes.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Metro