FEATURES
Bolt Moves to Calm Tensions as AUATON Threatens Drivers’ Shutdown
Bolt has moved to address growing tensions in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector, expressing readiness to engage drivers’ representatives after the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) called for a withdrawal of services on Bolt and inDrive over concerns about earnings and working conditions.
The union had urged drivers operating on both platforms to withdraw their services on Monday in protest against issues bordering on fares, platform commissions, welfare, transparency and rising operating costs.
Reacting to the planned action, Bolt said it recognised the concerns raised by AUATON and acknowledged the economic pressures facing drivers in the app-based transportation industry.
In a statement, the company said drivers played a critical role in delivering mobility services and sustaining Lagos’ ride-hailing ecosystem, stressing the need for constructive engagement to address the challenges affecting their livelihoods.
Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy, Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said the company took the concerns seriously and believed open dialogue offered the best opportunity to identify practical solutions.
“Drivers are central to the ride-hailing ecosystem, and we recognise the economic realities they are navigating. We take the concerns being raised seriously and believe the best way forward is through constructive, open and solution-orientated engagement,” Aghadiuno said.
She added that the company was committed to improving the driver experience while ensuring that ride-hailing services remained safe, reliable and accessible to passengers.
According to her, Bolt plans to meet with AUATON and driver representatives at a roundtable discussion early next week to listen to their concerns, exchange perspectives and explore areas for collaboration.
Aghadiuno said the proposed meeting would be conducted in good faith, with the shared objective of building a sustainable ride-hailing ecosystem that serves the interests of drivers, passengers and platform operators.
She maintained that meaningful progress would depend on open communication, mutual understanding and practical solutions to the challenges confronting drivers.
The planned engagement comes amid growing concerns among app-based transporters over the cost of operating on ride-hailing platforms, with the union seeking changes to conditions it says affect drivers’ earnings and welfare.