Thousands of commuters across Lagos and Ogun states are facing significant transport disruptions this morning as app-based drivers officially commenced a three-day shutdown. Organized by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), the industrial action has seen drivers on major platforms—including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, and Lagride—log off en masse starting at 5:00 a.m. today, Monday, March 16, 2026. The strike is a response to what the union describes as “harsh economic realities,” characterized by stagnant fare structures that fail to account for the skyrocketing costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and general inflation.
The union has presented a list of ten critical demands to ride-hailing companies and government authorities, headlined by an immediate review of pricing and a significant reduction in platform commission charges, which currently sit as high as 25% per trip. Beyond financial compensation, the drivers are also pushing for enhanced safety protections, including a mandatory industry-wide rider verification system to curb the rising cases of security threats against operators. “Many drivers are struggling to remain financially viable,” stated AUATON spokesperson Steven Iwindoye, emphasizing that thousands now work extreme hours yet still fail to earn a sustainable living wage.
The shutdown is expected to run through Wednesday, March 18, with a Strike Monitoring Task Force deployed across strategic hubs like the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and major business districts to ensure compliance. While the union maintains that the action is not intended to punish the public, the timing has triggered a surge in demand for alternative transport, leading to overcrowding at bus terminals and increased fares on traditional yellow buses (Danfos). AUATON leadership has indicated they will review the responses from app companies and the government at the end of the three days to determine whether to suspend or prolong the boycott.
