App-based transport workers in Nigeria are preparing to shut down their services on May 1, International Workers’ Day, as they demand better wages and working conditions from ride-hailing companies like Uber and Bolt.
It’s more than just a strike—it’s a loud cry from thousands of drivers who say they’ve had enough of poor earnings, rising fuel costs, and what they call exploitative platform policies. The drivers, under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON), say they want real change, not just promises.
According to the union, drivers are barely breaking even after commissions are deducted and fuel prices are factored in. Many are working long hours without the benefits or protections that traditional employees enjoy. Some have reported harassment and safety issues without adequate support from the platforms they drive for.
The May Day strike is expected to hit major cities like Lagos and Abuja hardest, where ride-hailing apps are a daily fixture of urban transport. Organizers are calling on the public to stand in solidarity with the drivers and are asking for government intervention to regulate the sector in favor of fair labor practices.
This isn’t the first time drivers have raised these concerns—but this time, they say they won’t back down until real action is taken. With the cost of living climbing and pressure mounting, their message is clear: dignity and fair pay should not be optional.
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