Lagos E-Hailing Drivers Begin an Indefinite Strike Against Bolt and inDrive, Demanding a 10% Commission Cap

E-hailing drivers in Lagos began an indefinite strike on Monday 12th October, saying their earnings keep falling as costs rise. The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) wants fares reviewed and commissions capped at 10%, and it has told drivers on Bolt and inDrive to stay offline until the demands get satisfactory attention. Bolt has asked the union for talks.

What the Drivers Are Asking For

The union's list has three parts:

• A fare review that reflects current operating costs.

• Commissions of no more than 10%, subject to negotiation, with clear explanations of any extra charges.

• Consultation with drivers before the apps change fares or commissions.

Jaiyesimi Azeez, AUATON's Lagos chairman, called the first day "Day 1 of our industrial action and shutdown." The union's argument is that the apps act as middlemen and should no longer set the price of the drivers' service. It points to vehicle financing, fuel, maintenance, insurance, data and government levies as costs that drivers carry.

What Riders Are Seeing

On Bolt and inDrive, fewer cars are available. One inDrive user said he waited about two hours without getting a driver, and others reported waits of 16 to 20 minutes and fare surges as supply dropped. The strike has no end date, so riders are advised to check availability before they plan a trip.

How Bolt and inDrive Have Responded

Before the strike began, Bolt called for dialogue with the union. Weyinmi Aghadiuno, its Head of Regulatory and Policy in Africa, said the company wants constructive and solution-oriented engagement, and Bolt plans a roundtable with AUATON and driver representatives early this week.

inDrive's Country Director, Timothy Oladimeji, said the company still charges the lowest commission in the industry, without giving a percentage. He pointed to welfare partnerships with Heala for healthcare and MyCover for insurance. The same report notes that drivers also criticise inDrive's low fares, which can affect earnings more directly than the commission.

How the Union Is Running the Shutdown

AUATON has asked fleet owners and managers to suspend daily remittance targets during the strike and not to penalise drivers who take part. It plans a task force across Lagos's local government areas to monitor compliance, and drivers who keep working in defiance of the strike could face sanctions under the union's disciplinary procedures.

Why the Dispute Reaches Beyond One Strike

The strike comes at a time when the ride-hailing market is already shifting. Uber announced its exit from Nigeria on 2nd September. On 8th October, Moove's exit followed. The company financed vehicles for ride-hailing drivers, and it said current drivers will receive full ownership of their cars, valued at over ₦35 billion, at no cost.

Moove is also a company PINCHED has covered, after its $250 million Series C made up most of August's Nigerian startup funding. The pressure on drivers comes from rising fuel and maintenance costs, inflation and weaker purchasing power. Bolt, inDrive and local operators are now competing for Uber's former riders and drivers.

How the Dispute Built Up

This is not the union's first action. Drivers on Uber, Bolt and inDrive held a three-day strike in March that the union said formally ended on 18th March. At the time, the union's co-founder Ayoade Ibrahim said Bolt takes 25% at times and up to 30% at others, and that drivers cannot see the actual commission structure. That is the union's account, and the report carried no formal response from the companies.

By 22nd September, AUATON was weighing an October shutdown of Bolt and inDrive in Lagos. The same report says the union asked the Lagos State Government for a 5% commission cap or a daily subscription of ₦500 to ₦1,000, and that it is working on an indigenous ride-hailing alternative.

Key dates in the Lagos e-hailing dispute in 2026

What to Watch Next

Three things will decide how long this lasts. The first is whether the roundtable Bolt has proposed actually happens and settles anything, since the union has said the companies have never joined negotiations. The second is whether the Lagos State Government steps in on the commission petition. The third is how long drivers can go without earning, because the strike means no income for those taking part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Lagos E-Hailing Drivers on Strike?

Drivers say earnings keep falling as costs rise. The union wants a fare review, commissions capped at 10% and consultation before changes to fares or commissions.

Which Apps Are Affected by the Strike?

Bolt and inDrive, under the union's directive to drivers in Lagos.

What Commission Cap Are Drivers Asking For?

AUATON is asking for commissions of no more than 10%, subject to negotiation.

How Long Will the Strike Last?

It is indefinite. It began on 12th October and has no end date, and Bolt has proposed talks with the union.

Has Bolt Responded to the Strike?

Yes. Bolt called for dialogue with AUATON before the strike began and plans a roundtable with the union and driver representatives early this week.