E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have begun an indefinite strike over alleged unfair fare structures, commissions, deductions and worsening working conditions, raising concerns about possible disruption to app-based transport services across the state.
The industrial action, declared by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), commenced on Monday, October 12, 2026, following the union’s announcement on Saturday that drivers would withdraw their services until further notice or until satisfactory progress was made in resolving their grievances.
The strike comes amid longstanding tensions in the app-based transport industry over how much drivers earn from trips, the commissions charged by ride-hailing platforms and the costs of keeping vehicles on the road.
Drivers also want improvements in welfare, safety, security and operational policies, which the union says have continued to affect their earnings and the sustainability of their businesses.
AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the decision followed repeated attempts by drivers and other stakeholders to draw attention to unresolved issues.
“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” the union said in its strike notice.
DRIVERS TAKE ON FARE STRUCTURES, DEDUCTIONS
At the centre of the dispute are fare arrangements, platform commissions and other deductions that drivers say affect their take-home earnings.
For drivers who depend on ride-hailing services for their livelihoods, the amount received from each trip must cover expenses such as fuel, vehicle maintenance and other operating costs.
Where drivers operate vehicles belonging to fleet owners, they may also have to meet agreed daily remittance obligations, making any interruption to their earnings a further financial burden.
AUATON said improved earnings and better operating conditions would benefit not only drivers but also fleet owners and the wider app-based transportation industry.
According to the union, better welfare could help reduce driver turnover, improve commitment, promote more sustainable vehicle use and reduce disputes between drivers and fleet partners.
It also argued that improved earnings could support vehicle maintenance and strengthen stability across the sector.
FLEET OWNERS WARNED AGAINST PENALTIES
As part of measures to protect drivers during the strike, the union appealed to fleet owners and managers to suspend daily remittance demands and related operational targets for the duration of the industrial action.
AUATON argued that drivers who were not working would not be generating the revenue from which such payments were ordinarily made.
It urged fleet partners not to impose penalties, sanctions or other adverse measures solely because drivers participated in the strike.
The union also called on drivers, fleet managers and vehicle owners to maintain communication and use the period to address their disagreements through constructive engagement.
TASK FORCE TO MONITOR COMPLIANCE
AUATON said it would deploy a task force across all local government areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the strike directive.
Drivers found operating in violation of the union’s instructions could face sanctions under its internal disciplinary measures, the union warned.
The notice was signed by the Lagos State Chairman of AUATON, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners to cooperate with the union.
He stressed that the industrial action was not intended to disrupt businesses unnecessarily but to draw attention to conditions affecting drivers and other stakeholders.
WHAT THE STRIKE MEANS FOR LAGOS COMMUTERS
The withdrawal of drivers’ services could make it more difficult for commuters who rely on ride-hailing applications to book trips, particularly if participation is widespread across Lagos.
However, the scale of the disruption will depend on how many drivers comply with the strike and whether negotiations produce an agreement that allows normal operations to resume.
AUATON said it remained committed to peaceful engagement and dialogue with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the dispute.
For now, the union has given no fixed date for ending the strike, insisting that the action will continue until further notice or satisfactory progress is made on its demands.
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