Uber, Bolt drivers in Benin to embark on 7 days strike over ‘unsustainable’ income

Uber and Bolt drivers under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) have announced their intention to embark on a 7-day strike. This was disclosed to Technext in a statement by the union.

According to the statement, the strike, which will commence on Thursday, March 26, is to protest against what the drivers describe as “unsustainable” income.

See also: Fuel price hike: E-hailing drivers demand price review

The drivers said this is coming after several engagements and persistent efforts to compel Uber, Bolt and inDrive to adjust fare prices in line with the harsh economic realities. These include rising fuel costs, increased vehicle maintenance expenses, and the general cost of living. However, despite their persistent efforts, no meaningful response or action has been taken by the e-hailing apps.

“As responsible individuals with families and obligations, e-hailing drivers cannot continue to operate under conditions that are no longer sustainable,” the statement reads.

The drivers lamented that, unfortunately for them, the price of fuel cannot be negotiated with fuel stations, nor can they negotiate with mechanics, spare parts dealers, or even the sellers of basic household needs. Yet, the same drivers are expected to continue working under declining earnings.

As such, the drivers note that it is only fair and just that they demanded improved compensation within their industry to survive the current economic hardship.

“Consequently, the Edo State Chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) hereby directs all e-hailing drivers within the state to boycott all app operations for seven days, commencing from Thursday, 26th March to Wednesday, 1st April 2026,” the statement reads.

Fuel price hike and Uber, Bolt drivers’ dilemma

After several months of continuous price reductions, Nigeria suddenly began witnessing a hike in fuel prices, attributed to the American and Israeli war in Iran.

Consequently, the pump price of petrol, which generally hovered around the 850 naira mark, first shot up to 1,080 naira, but now sells for around 1,200 naira, a nearly 50 per cent hike.

Fuel is the single most essential and constant operating cost in the transportation business. Naturally, a hike in fuel prices leads to a hike in transportation costs. Because pricing in e-hailing is controlled by the apps, the drivers find themselves at their mercy.

Uber/Bolt drivers protest

The drivers noted that the strike action has become necessary to compel the app operators like Uber, Bolt and inDrive to come to the negotiation table and engage in sincere discussions towards fair and sustainable fare pricing, especially if we are to be regarded as true partners as they claim.

“The leadership and entire membership of AUATON sincerely regret any inconvenience this action may cause the good people of Edo State. However, this decision is taken in the collective interest and survival of our members, who also have families and dependents,” the statement reads.

The union further urged all e-hailing drivers to comply fully with this directive as monitoring teams will be deployed across the state to ensure total adherence. The union also said appropriate measures will be taken against defaulters.

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