Lagos E-Hailing Drivers Begin Indefinite Strike as Transport Dispute Deepens
E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have commenced an indefinite strike, raising questions about the future of app-based transport services as tensions between drivers and industry stakeholders grow.
The drivers, operating under the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), announced the industrial action in a notice issued on Sunday, October 11.
According to the union, the strike would begin on Monday, October 12, and continue until further notice or satisfactory progress towards resolving the dispute.
AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said the decision followed repeated attempts to address concerns affecting its members, many of which remain unresolved.
The union maintained that the industrial action became necessary after previous efforts to secure meaningful responses from relevant stakeholders failed to produce the desired results.
Although the strike could affect app-based transport operations across Lagos, AUATON said its decision followed concerns that had persisted despite discussions with industry stakeholders.
The union also appealed to fleet owners and managers to suspend daily remittance obligations and operational targets temporarily while drivers participate in the industrial action.
It explained that drivers would not generate their usual revenue during the shutdown, making it difficult to meet the financial obligations normally associated with their operations.
AUATON urged fleet partners to avoid penalties, sanctions or other adverse measures against drivers solely because they complied with the strike directive.
The union announced plans to deploy its task force across all local government areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the industrial action.
It warned that drivers who continued operating against its instructions could face disciplinary measures under the union’s internal regulations.
AUATON encouraged drivers, fleet owners and managers to maintain open communication and pursue constructive discussions throughout the strike in search of a lasting resolution.
The union said resolving the dispute could improve drivers’ earnings, strengthen welfare provisions and create more sustainable working conditions across the app-based transport industry.
It added that better working conditions could encourage driver retention, reduce turnover, improve commitment and make vehicle operations more sustainable for drivers and fleet partners.
According to AUATON, improved earnings could also help drivers maintain their vehicles and reduce operational disagreements that affect relationships between drivers and fleet owners.
The union stressed that the strike was not intended to disrupt businesses unnecessarily but to secure improvements that would benefit drivers and other industry stakeholders.
The notice was signed by AUATON’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 negotiate peacefully with fleet owners, managers and other stakeholders, expressing hope that dialogue would resolve the dispute and restore normal operations.
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