Uber, Bolt Drivers begin strike on Monday

Uber and Bolt drivers in Lagos have gone on strike to demand a higher share of commissions due to increases in fuel prices and inflationary pressures amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ride-hailing service, already has limited trips available on the app, leading to a sharp rise in fares in Lagos

“We are aware of a protest taking place today by a small group of e-hailing drivers, resulting in slightly longer waiting times for riders,” Uber said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg on Monday.

Cab operators are unhappy about price adjustments, high commissions taken by ride-hailing companies and passengers not properly identifying themselves. Some drivers on competing app Bolt Technology OU, that has taken significant market share in Nigeria, are also on strike.

“Drivers are asking the platforms to reduce their commission,” said Innocent, an Uber driver in Lagos. “We are struggling to survive the current economic situation.”

“We constantly evaluate our operations to ensure we continue to provide the best earnings for drivers on the platform,” said Femi Akin-Laguda, Bolt country manager in Nigeria.

Bolt increased fares in November last year to mitigate a fuel price increase, Akin-Laguda said.

We spend so much repairing our cars, and on fuel,” said Seun Olaniyan, a Bolt driver said. “If the company can increase their fare, there should be a meeting point for us where we both gain.”