Ahead of a planned October 12 indefinite strike by the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), ride-hailing company Bolt is calling for a dialogue with the app worker
Ahead of a planned October 12 indefinite strike by the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), ride-hailing company Bolt is calling for a dialogue with the app workers’ union to achieve meaningful progress. The company disclosed this in a message to Technext.
Read also: Lagos drivers to shut down Bolt and inDrive in October, demand 10% commission, fare restructure
The company said it has noted the concerns raised by the Lagos State Council of AUATON regarding driver earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency, and welfare. It said it recognises the economic pressures facing drivers and understands the importance of maintaining a sustainable environment in which drivers can continue to earn and operate successfully.
Commenting on the planned engagement, Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy in Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said that because drivers are central to the ride-hailing ecosystem, the company recognises the economic realities they are navigating.
“We take the concerns being raised seriously and believe the best way forward is through constructive, open and solution-oriented engagement. Our focus is on listening, understanding the issues and identifying practical ways to strengthen the driver experience while ensuring that ride-hailing remains safe, reliable and accessible for everyone. We are committed to building a sustainable ecosystem in which drivers, passengers and platforms can continue to thrive,” she said.
Weyinmi Aghadiuno
The company further expressed belief that constructive engagement is the most productive way to address concerns, identify practical solutions and strengthen the relationship between drivers and the platforms on which they operate.
“In this spirit, Bolt is committed to engaging AUATON and driver representatives in a roundtable discussion early next week to listen to their concerns, exchange perspectives and explore practical areas for further collaboration. We approach this engagement in good faith, with a shared interest in a safe, reliable and economically sustainable ride-hailing ecosystem,” the company said.
Technext reported that AUATON declared an indefinite strike, starting October 12, that will see them shut down the Bolt and inDrive apps in Lagos. The indefinite strike is intended not only to draw massive attention to the plight of e-hailing drivers and other app workers, but it is also aimed at bringing the two major apps in the country, Bolt and inDrive, to the table.
The union noted that rising operational costs, vehicle financing obligations, fuel expenses, maintenance costs, insurance, data subscriptions, government levies and other daily expenses have placed enormous financial pressure on drivers. However, the app companies have refused to adjust their existing fare and commission structures to reflect these realities, creating serious concerns about the sustainability of the profession.
The union therefore demanded a fare review that reflects the prevailing economic realities and the actual cost of operating a vehicle, as well as a substantial reduction in commissions with a target of not more than 10 per cent, which will be subject to negotiations and a transparent explanation of any additional charges or deductions.
Lagos NLC Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi flanked by AUATON excos
While acknowledging drivers’ concerns, Bolt said meaningful progress comes from open communication, mutual understanding, and solutions that consider the interests of drivers, passengers, and the wider mobility ecosystem. It also encourages drivers not to down tools ahead of the conversations.
“As discussions progress, we encourage drivers to continue providing services to passengers while we work towards a constructive path forward. Bolt remains committed to its driver community and to strengthening the partnership that supports mobility across Lagos,” the company said.
