Bolt, inDrive Drivers Begin Indefinite Strike: 5 Things Passengers Should Know

Drivers operating on Bolt and inDrive in Lagos have begun an indefinite strike over fares, platform commissions, deductions and welfare concerns.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos State Council, announced the industrial action, directing drivers to withdraw their services from Monday, October 12, 2026, until the union’s demands receive satisfactory attention.

The strike could disrupt ride-hailing services across Lagos, depending on the level of participation. Meanwhile, Bolt has called for dialogue with the union and proposed a meeting with driver representatives to discuss the dispute.

The dispute centres on how much drivers earn from trips, the commissions platforms deduct and the rising cost of operating vehicles.

Here are five things passengers should know about the strike.

1. Why Bolt and inDrive drivers are on strike

AUATON said the strike followed unresolved complaints about fare structures, platform commissions, drivers’ welfare and operating costs.

In a notice reported by PUNCH, the union said drivers had repeatedly raised concerns about their working conditions without securing satisfactory changes.

Drivers must pay for fuel, vehicle maintenance, tyres, insurance, mobile data and vehicle financing. They also bear other expenses associated with keeping their vehicles on the road.

According to the union, these costs have placed significant financial pressure on drivers and made it difficult for some to earn sustainable incomes.

AUATON also wants better protection against arbitrary account deactivation, which can prevent drivers from accessing the platforms they depend on for work.

The union maintains that ride-hailing platforms must address these concerns to improve drivers’ working conditions and make the business more sustainable.

2. Drivers want commissions capped at 10%

One of AUATON’s major demands is a reduction in platform commissions to no more than 10%.

The union also wants ride-hailing companies to review fares to reflect the actual cost of operating vehicles in the current economic climate.

According to Technext24, AUATON wants fare calculations to account for fuel, maintenance, insurance, vehicle financing, data subscriptions, government levies, traffic and waiting time.

The union argues that drivers should retain a reasonable share of their earnings after paying these expenses.

However, reducing commissions and increasing fares are two different measures.

A commission reduction would allow drivers to retain more of the fare paid for a trip. A fare increase would raise the amount passengers pay, although the effect on drivers’ earnings would depend on the platform’s commission structure and other deductions.

AUATON wants negotiations to address both issues.

The outcome could affect the balance between drivers’ earnings and the cost of ride-hailing services for passengers.

3. Bolt has offered to negotiate with the union

Bolt has responded to the planned shutdown by calling for constructive dialogue with AUATON.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, the company’s head of regulatory and policy for Africa, said Bolt recognised the economic pressures facing drivers and took their concerns seriously.

According to The Guardian, the company acknowledged complaints about driver earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency and welfare.

Bolt proposed a roundtable discussion with AUATON and driver representatives early in the week of October 12.

The company said the meeting would provide an opportunity to exchange views and explore practical measures to improve drivers’ experience.

It also encouraged drivers to continue providing services while discussions were underway.

However, AUATON had already announced an indefinite shutdown. The proposed meeting does not, by itself, mean the strike has been suspended or that the parties have reached an agreement.

The outcome of the discussions could determine whether the dispute continues or the parties find common ground.

4. What the strike means for passengers

Passengers who depend on Bolt and inDrive could face difficulties booking rides if a significant number of drivers participate in the strike.

Possible effects include longer waiting times, fewer available vehicles and delays in getting rides during busy periods.

People who use ride-hailing services to commute to work, attend appointments or travel to other destinations may need to consider alternative transport arrangements.

However, the extent of the disruption will depend on the level of participation across Lagos. The union’s announcement does not establish that every driver on both platforms has stopped working.

Passengers should therefore check the availability of rides rather than assume that both services have completely shut down.

The dispute also highlights the competing interests within the ride-hailing industry.

Passengers want affordable transport, drivers want earnings that cover their expenses, and platforms must maintain reliable services while managing their operating costs.

Any lasting resolution will need to consider these interests.

5. How long will the strike last?

AUATON has declared the strike indefinite, meaning it has not set a fixed date for ending the industrial action.

The union said the shutdown would continue until its demands received satisfactory attention. It also called on the Lagos State Government, relevant federal authorities and labour institutions to intervene.

The union has urged fleet owners and managers to grant drivers temporary relief from daily remittance obligations and related operational targets during the strike.

It argued that drivers who are not operating cannot generate their usual revenue to meet those obligations. AUATON also warned fleet partners against penalising drivers solely for participating in the industrial action.

Meanwhile, Bolt has proposed discussions with the union and driver representatives.

The position of inDrive is also important. The Guardian report did not include a response from the company regarding the planned shutdown.

Until the parties reach an agreement or AUATON announces a change in its position, the duration of the strike remains uncertain.

What happens next?

The strike puts pressure on ride-hailing platforms to address drivers’ concerns about earnings, commissions and working conditions.

For passengers, the immediate concern is whether the withdrawal of services will affect their ability to secure rides across Lagos.

For drivers, the central question is whether negotiations will produce changes to fares, platform deductions and welfare provisions.

Bolt’s proposed dialogue provides an opportunity for both sides to discuss their differences. However, its outcome remains uncertain.

The next significant development will be whether the union and the platforms reach an agreement that addresses the drivers’ demands and allows normal services to resume.