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Bolt, Uber drivers in Nigeria go on strike over fuel price hike
Uber and Bolt in Nigeria have gone on strike to protest low fares, high commissions, and the recent hike in fuel prices…
Drivers for ride-hailing companies Uber and Bolt in Nigeria have gone on strike to protest low fares, high commissions, and the recent hike in fuel prices. The strike began on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, and has disrupted transportation in major cities across the country.
The drivers are demanding that the ride-hailing companies increase their fares by 200% and reduce their commissions by 50%. They are also demanding that the companies stop unlawfully deactivating drivers and implement an “open collective bargaining” process with the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWON).
The strike has had a significant impact on transportation in Nigeria. In Lagos, for example, the strike has led to long queues for taxis and buses. Some people have been forced to walk long distances to get to work or school.
The ride-hailing companies have so far not responded to the drivers’ demands. It is unclear how long the strike will last.
The low fares and high commissions have made it difficult for e-hailing drivers to make a living. Many drivers are struggling to pay for fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. The fuel price hike has made it even more difficult for drivers to make a profit. The price of petrol has increased by over 270% in the past year.
The government is facing a number of challenges, including a high unemployment rate, a weak economy, and a security crisis. It is unclear how the government will respond to the current protests.
“We’ve passed our demands to the application companies but they’ve refused to attend to them,” the statement reads.
“We are using this opportunity to call on the fleet managers, driver-partners, and app-based transport workers across Nigeria, to support this strike fully and understand, that our service(s) must be withdrawn during this protest and moratorium or waiver should be given to all drivers on rentals or higher purchase.
“This is a solidarity step we must take together to protect our investment as fleet managers, secure our business as workers, and secure our job as app drivers.
“We are confident this will give us a better and profitable industry that will encourage every stakeholder.”
The strike by e-hailing drivers is a sign of the growing economic hardship faced by many Nigerians. The government needs to take steps to address the drivers’ concerns and improve the economy.
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