The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered major ride-hailing companies, including Uber, Bolt, Indrive, Rida, and LagRide, to submit their operating agreements and undergo a comprehensive audit of driver payments and commission structures. This move comes as lawmakers respond to mounting allegations of driver exploitation and unfair labour practices within the sector.
During a recent public hearing, the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) presented a series of grievances, ranging from high commission rates and arbitrary driver deactivations to inadequate safety measures and lack of insurance support for drivers. The union’s Lagos State Chairman, Azeez Jaiyesimi, described the hearing as a turning point in the fight against what he called “digital colonialism and modern-day exploitation masked as innovation.”
“The hearing sent a resounding message: the era of silence, exploitation, and impunity in the ride-hailing sector is coming to an end,” Jaiyesimi said. He emphasized that many drivers have lost their lives while on duty without compensation, and that platforms often fail to provide basic protections or transparency in earnings.
Lawmakers have also called for a new legislative framework to guarantee driver welfare, safety, and fair earnings. The Assembly’s Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Public Petitions, which convened the hearing, has adjourned proceedings and is expected to announce a new date for further discussions.
Among the union’s key demands are:
Reduced commissions for drivers
Mandatory welfare contributions
Accessible health insurance
Improved rider verification processes
The Lagos chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its support behind the drivers, with Chairperson Funmi Sessi testifying at the hearing to amplify their concerns.
This intervention follows a public petition filed by AUATON, accusing the ride-hailing companies of regulatory non-compliance, labour rights violations, and systematic neglect. The petition alleges that these practices continue to endanger the lives and livelihoods of thousands of drivers in Lagos.
In response, the Assembly has vowed to pursue reforms that will end exploitative digital practices and ensure that every app-based transport worker in Nigeria is treated with dignity and fairness.
