Lagos commuters who rely on app-based transport services may face disruptions following an indefinite strike announced by e-hailing drivers over disputes concerning earnings, platform charges and working conditions.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) said the industrial action would begin on Monday and continue until further notice or until satisfactory progress was made towards resolving the drivers’ complaints.
In a notice seen by PUNCH Metro on Saturday, the union, which is affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress, said the decision followed unresolved concerns about fare structures, commissions, deductions, safety, security and drivers’ welfare.
“Despite repeated efforts by drivers and stakeholders to draw attention to these concerns, many of the issues remain unresolved,” AUATON said.
The union explained that the action was intended to address operational policies it believes have affected drivers’ earnings and the long-term viability of their work.
With drivers expected to lose their usual income during the strike, AUATON appealed to fleet owners and managers to suspend daily remittance requirements and related operational targets for the duration of the action.
“During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise,” the notice stated.
It also urged fleet partners not to penalise drivers or impose sanctions solely because they participated in the strike, noting that they were not expected to operate during the period.
To enforce compliance, the union said its task force would monitor drivers across all local government areas in Lagos State. It warned that members who ignored the directive could face disciplinary action under its internal rules.
Despite the planned shutdown, AUATON called on drivers, fleet owners and managers to maintain communication and pursue constructive discussions over the disputed operational arrangements.
The union argued that addressing drivers’ concerns could benefit the wider industry by improving earnings, strengthening workforce retention and reducing disputes between drivers and fleet partners.
It said better working conditions could also encourage greater driver commitment, improve vehicle utilisation and provide more financial stability for vehicle maintenance.
AUATON stressed that its objective was not to cause unnecessary disruption to businesses but to secure more sustainable operating conditions for drivers and other stakeholders in the app-based transport sector.
The notice was signed by the union’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Olalabi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, who appealed to fleet partners to cooperate during the industrial action.
The union reaffirmed its willingness to engage fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders in peaceful dialogue aimed at resolving the issues behind the strike.
