App-Based Drivers in Lagos Threaten Indefinite Strike Over Uber and Moove’s ‘Exploitative’ Practices

The Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has issued a five-day ultimatum to Uber and its vehicle financing partner, Moove, demanding the reversal of what it describes as exploitative practices, failing which its members will commence an indefinite strike. The union announced the planned industrial action during a press conference in Lagos on Monday, citing a unilateral 100 per cent increase in daily remittances and discriminatory commission rates as primary grievances.

AUATON Chairman, Mr. Azeez Jaiyesimi, detailed the drivers’ grievances, stating that Moove had increased the daily ‘Drive-To-Own’ (DTO) scheme remittance from ₦9,400 to ₦18,700 without consultation. He emphasized that this drastic hike was imposed without a corresponding increase in passenger fares or a reduction in the commissions deducted by Uber from drivers’ earnings, placing an “unbearable financial strain” on them.

Further allegations include a breach of trust concerning health insurance deductions. Jaiyesimi claimed that Uber and Moove continue to deduct fees for health insurance from drivers without subsequently enrolling them with any Health Maintenance Organisation. The union chairman also accused the companies of manipulating drivers’ repayment records under the DTO scheme, a practice that allegedly extends loan tenures and keeps drivers in a cycle of debt.

Operational requirements were also condemned as unsustainable and unsafe. Jaiyesimi stated that DTO drivers are mandated to work a minimum of 72 hours and complete 82 trips per week, increasing the risk of accidents due to driver fatigue. He also highlighted a discriminatory commission structure, noting that while regular Uber drivers pay a 25 per cent commission, DTO drivers are charged 33.33 per cent, which he termed “economic exploitation.”

On behalf of the drivers, AUATON is demanding the immediate reversal of the daily remittance to ₦9,400, the full implementation of HMO enrollment, transparent accounting of repayments, a reduction of the excessive workload, and the harmonization of commission rates to 25 per cent for all drivers. The union has given Uber and Moove 72 hours to engage in formal dialogue with its representatives.

Should the companies fail to respond satisfactorily within five business days from the date of the press conference, AUATON has vowed to declare an indefinite industrial action. Jaiyesimi called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Lagos State Government, and the Nigeria Labour Congress to intervene, stating that while the union remains committed to dialogue, it is prepared to defend its members’ rights to fairness, transparency, and dignity.