In Nigeria, the VTC drivers' union announces a major strike in October in Lagos. They plan to block the Bolt and inDrive applications to demand higher remuneration and a cap on their commissions at 10%.
The motives for this collective walkout are primarily financial. Drivers believe they are bearing the full brunt of the surge in operating costs, which encompasses all daily expenses related to their activity.
Between rising fuel costs, maintenance, insurance, internet connectivity, and taxes, profitability is collapsing.
Furthermore, many drivers must make weekly repayments for the lease of their vehicles, acquired through leasing arrangements. Despite these constraints, VTC applications refuse to increase ride prices or reduce their fees.
As a result, according to the union, digital platforms are charging excessive commissions on trips that no longer generate sufficient earnings for drivers.
The union also denounces the lack of transparency in earnings calculations, the lack of social coverage, and security vulnerabilities.
The announced strike therefore threatens to paralyze urban transport. If Bolt and inDrive applications cease to function in a megacity such as Lagos, the mobility of millions of users will be severely disrupted.
For the drivers themselves, the cessation of activity represents a direct risk of income loss.
To break the deadlock, AUATON, the drivers' union organization, advocates for establishing a constructive dialogue with VTC platform operators. The union is also calling for the integration of social guarantees, such as health insurance and emergency relief, as well as strict identity verification.
Finally, to support its members under financial pressure, the organization is considering forging strategic partnerships with local applications deemed fair. In other words, the union wishes to offer drivers viable work alternatives if multinational corporations refuse to adapt their conditions to economic reality.
In Nigeria, this social unrest concerns a significant number of workers. According to industry estimates, the country now has between 40 000 and 100 000 active VTC drivers.
This large pool illustrates the key role that on-demand mobility plays in the urban economy.
Anselme Akéko
Published on 29/09/26 08:41
The Editorial Staff