Ride-hailing operators staged demonstrations across Lagos to protest unsatisfactory payouts on the Bolt and inDrive networks, pressing management for higher tariffs to offset escalating fuel expenses and vehicle upkeep costs.
The drivers said the cost of running their vehicles had made it increasingly difficult to earn enough to support their families, despite working long hours. They called on both platforms to review their fares, arguing that their current earnings do not reflect the rising cost of transportation.
During the protest, one driver said he spent N80,000 on fuel after working through the night but earned only N60,000 from trips on the two platforms.
“I don dey work since yesterday night, as I dey work till today, wetin I get? 60,000 Naira,” the driver said in the video.
The driver also criticised the amount drivers earn per kilometre, saying they receive about N200 while bearing the cost of fuel and maintaining their cars.
“Drivers are not slaves, we are people’s fathers, we are people’s husbands…. We have family,” he said.
He urged Bolt and inDrive to increase their fares, warning that drivers were struggling to make ends meet under the current conditions.
The protest highlights concerns over the financial pressures facing ride-hailing drivers, who must balance platform fares with fuel expenses, vehicle upkeep and household responsibilities.
What You Should Know
Ride-hailing drivers in Lagos are pushing back against current pricing models on platforms like Bolt and inDrive, arguing that their current earnings are unsustainable given the soaring costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance.
- Potential Concerns: Commuters may experience higher ride fares if platforms decide to increase prices, and passengers could also face longer waiting times or reduced vehicle availability during periods of driver pushback.
- Industry Impact: The protest highlights the mounting economic pressures on gig economy workers in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for a balanced pricing structure that accounts for inflation and operational overhead.
