Ride-hailing drivers who chose not to participate in the May 1 strike organised by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) are reportedly facing consequences in the form of fake ride requests. Messages shared on the “May Day Log Off” WhatsApp group revealed that striking drivers have been requesting fake rides from those who did not join the strike, labeling them as “betrayers” of the cause intended to benefit all drivers.
However, many of the drivers targeted with these fake ride requests claim they were unaware of the strike called by AUATON. The Union had announced the 24-hour strike on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to protest against low wages, sudden app deactivations, safety concerns, and unfair company policies. A major point of contention for the drivers is the high commission fees charged by ride-hailing platforms, which significantly impact their earnings after each trip.
Drivers participating in the protest expressed frustration over the prioritization of profits by ride-hailing platforms over their well-being. AUATON spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye, stated that the Union had attempted dialogue with the companies in the past, but no meaningful changes were made. As a result, the Union decided to use economic pressure to make their voices heard through the May Day strike, aiming to mobilize at least 5,000 drivers for the action.
Although the exact number of drivers who participated in the strike could not be independently verified, a significant gathering of drivers was confirmed at Onikan Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria. At the protest site, drivers called for social protection, health insurance, pensions, and workers’ compensation, highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining their vehicles amidst the country’s worsening economic situation.
Interestingly, the fake ride requests targeted at non-striking drivers serve both as a form of protest and punishment, as well as a means to inform uninformed drivers about the strike. This strike is not the first protest action taken by ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria. In the past, they have joined nationwide strikes led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and advocated for national regulations to replace restrictive state-level policies that negatively impact their livelihoods.
Despite their advocacy efforts, the absence of clear national regulations continues to hinder AUATON’s progress in addressing the challenges faced by ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria. The ongoing struggle for fair wages, better working conditions, and regulatory reforms remains a key focus for the Union and its members as they continue to push for meaningful change in the industry.
