Nigerian ride-hailing drivers take welfare fight to lawmakers

Ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria are not losing sleep over welfare demands. Yes, they successfully conducted a log off action on MayDay—less than a week ago, but the response has been quite passive.

Today, they have taken their petition to the Lagos State House of Assembly, seeking a national policy to formally recognise the employment status of platform drivers.

If this is successful, it will help a great deal in ironing out the year-long grievances of driver profiling, pricing policies, welfare concerns and union recognition.

Based on self-reported figures and a statement forwarded to Condia by the App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), at least six drivers have died due to corporate negligence and violations committed by platform-based transport companies, specifically Uber, Bolt, Indrive, Lagride, Rida and others operating within Lagos State and throughout Nigeria.

The most significant occurred in January 2024 after Adebayo Padmore, a driver for LagRide, died as he prepared his routine of picking up passengers.

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Padmore’s death has been the wildfire and the renaissance that has long reawakened the rights of platform-based workers in Nigeria. His death has galvanised drivers, particularly those on the state-backed LagRide platform, to demand greater transparency, especially after Chinese automaker CIG Motors recently took over its operational management.

Drivers suffering under the weight of macroeconomic conditions have continued to advocate for acceptable policies to enable them survive the ride-hailing sector, enduring low patronage. Lower purchasing power and steep inflation have caused average Nigerians to course correct, classifying ride hailing as luxury while they turn to other cheaper options like the state-backed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or ubiquitous Lagos danfos, which are often crowded, expensive and slow.

“We urge the honourable House to prioritise the rights and safety of transport workers, who are essential to the functioning of Lagos State’s economy and urban life,” the statement read in part.

However, if this plan B does not work, another plan C of picketing app companies is in the works, Steven Iwindoye, PRO of AUATON, Lagos State, said.