The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has called off its four-day shutdown of e-hailing services in Lagos but urged drivers to uninstall the inDrive application, accusing the platform of failing to engage with the union over their grievances.
The union’s Lagos State Chairman, Jaiyesimi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, announced the suspension of the industrial action in a statement, directing members to resume normal operations with immediate effect.
He described the shutdown as successful and thanked drivers for their solidarity, adding that the decision followed an assessment of the situation after four days of industrial action.
“Following our assessment of the situation, I hereby announce that the ongoing industrial action and shutdown are officially called off, effective immediately,” Azeez said.
Despite ending the shutdown, the union said its dispute with inDrive remained unresolved. It expressed disappointment that the ride-hailing platform had allegedly failed to initiate meaningful engagement with drivers and the union during the industrial action.
AUATON argued that drivers deserved a greater say in decisions affecting their earnings and working conditions, stressing that their contribution was central to the operation of ride-hailing services.
“Without drivers, there is no ride-hailing business. Our contributions deserve respect, dialogue and meaningful consideration,” Azeez said.
As part of its next steps, the union urged members to remove inDrive from their phones and consider other ride-hailing services, specifically recommending MyKaab, Randbax and SimpliRide as alternatives.
However, it advised drivers to study the terms and conditions of any platform before signing up, particularly its commission structure, fare policies, payment arrangements, safety provisions and driver support systems.
The union said its campaign was not merely about moving drivers from one application to another, but about securing better working conditions, transparent policies, fair earnings and improved welfare throughout the industry.
“The struggle does not end because the shutdown has ended. We must continue to organise, engage, evaluate our options and insist on fairness, transparency, better welfare and respect,” the statement added.
The four-day action followed concerns over fare levels, platform commissions, transparency, earnings and drivers’ welfare. The dispute highlighted tensions between e-hailing operators and platforms over the financial realities of providing transport services through digital applications.
AUATON said the shutdown had achieved its immediate objective, but indicated that its campaign for changes in driver-platform relations would continue.
The union also acknowledged the support of its executives, task force, national leadership, women’s wing and the Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Council, during the industrial action.
It urged members to remain united and sustain efforts to secure reforms in the sector, maintaining that calling off the shutdown did not mean abandoning its demands.
The extent to which drivers will heed the call to uninstall inDrive or adopt the three recommended alternatives remains to be seen.
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