Lagos e-hailing drivers suspend four-day strike, asked to uninstall inDrive
The App Drivers and Couriers Union (AUATON) has concluded its recent industrial action, urging its members to uninstall the inDrive application and resume their regular driving activities, while remaining vigilant for further updates.
In a statement released Thursday, Jaiyesimi Azeez, AUATON’s Lagos State Chairman, asserted that the strike was a success and thanked drivers for their solidarity. Although operations have resumed, Azeez expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with inDrive, alleging the company has failed to engage in meaningful discussions with the union despite the concerns raised by drivers during the strike.
The union emphasized that the apparent lack of communication from inDrive raises questions about the company’s commitment to addressing the issues that affect drivers, who play a critical role in sustaining its operations. “Without drivers, there is no ride-hailing business. Our contributions deserve respect, dialogue, and meaningful consideration,” Azeez remarked.
As part of its next steps, AUATON encouraged drivers to reconsider their use of inDrive and to explore other ride-hailing platforms such as MyKaab, Randbax, and SimpliRide. The union characterized these alternatives as promising options that may offer a more sustainable working environment for drivers. However, AUATON cautioned that any new platform should be thoroughly reviewed, particularly regarding commission rates, fare-setting policies, payment procedures, safety measures, and driver support services.
The union clarified that its campaign is not merely about switching applications but aims to achieve broader goals of fair earnings, transparent operations, improved welfare, and better working conditions for drivers industry-wide. “The struggle does not end because the shutdown has ended. We must continue to organise, engage, evaluate our options, and insist on fairness, transparency, better welfare, and respect,” the statement emphasized.
The four-day industrial action was initiated due to growing frustrations among e-hailing drivers concerning fare rates, platform commissions, and overall working conditions. The protest placed additional pressure on ride-hailing companies as drivers sought improved terms and more significant engagement regarding the financial realities of their work on digital transportation platforms.
While AUATON deemed the strike effective in achieving its immediate objectives, the ongoing disputes between drivers and ride-hailing companies highlight that further negotiations will be necessary. The union acknowledged the contributions of its executives, task force, national leadership, women’s wing, and the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress throughout the industrial action.
AUATON called on drivers to maintain unity and perseverance in advocating for better conditions, reaffirming that the resumption of regular operations does not signal an end to its reform efforts in the industry.
