E-hailing drivers in Lagos have launched a boycott of the inDrive app, citing frustration over low fares and underpayment. Organized by the Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), the protest began on April 1 and aims to pressure ride-hailing companies to adjust their pricing structures to reflect current economic realities.
Drivers accuse inDrive of enabling a pricing model that allows riders to slash fares to unsustainable levels. According to AUATON, trips that should cost ₦5,000 are often reduced to as low as ₦2,000, leaving drivers unable to cover rising costs such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and spare parts. “It is an insult to our profession,” said Steven Iwindoye, AUATON’s Lagos Public Relations Officer.
The union has demanded:
A review of inDrive’s pricing system.
Fare increases that reflect economic pressures.
Improved support systems for drivers.
In response, inDrive defended its peer-to-peer negotiation model, stating that it empowers drivers to set fares that align with their operational costs. The company also acknowledged the impact of economic factors on driver earnings and promised continued engagement with drivers to address concerns.
Drivers argue that companies prioritize market share over fair compensation, creating exploitative conditions. Recent fare adjustments by competitors like Bolt have also sparked protests, with drivers demanding a minimum fare benchmark.
