The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has challenged inDrive to demonstrate that its declared long-term commitment to Nigeria will translate into better earnings and improved welfare for drivers.
The union’s Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Comrade Steven Iwindoye, made the call in a statement following inDrive’s declaration that it would remain in Nigeria after Uber ended its ride-hailing operations in the country.
Iwindoye said a commitment that does not improve the welfare of drivers amounts to “simply a commitment to the market, not necessarily to the people.”
He said fair and sustainable fares, improved earnings, transparent commissions and meaningful representation for drivers should be the benchmarks for measuring inDrive’s commitment to Nigeria.
According to him, drivers bear most of the financial burden of the ride-hailing business, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance and depreciation, while the platforms largely control access to passengers and the terms of service.
“A cheap ride for the passenger must not become a poverty ride for the driver,” he said.
The union also warned inDrive and Bolt against taking their current market positions for granted, citing Uber’s exit from Nigeria as a reminder of the need for sustained engagement with drivers.
Uber ended its operations in Nigeria on September 2, 2026, after more than a decade in the market, citing evolving business priorities across its African operations.
AUATON had previously attributed Uber’s departure to what it described as an exploitative business model and warned other ride-hailing platforms that they could face similar challenges without genuine collective bargaining with drivers.
Iwindoye urged inDrive and other operators to engage and negotiate with organised drivers before dissatisfaction within the sector becomes difficult to manage.
See also: UPDATE: FCCPC Probes Uber Over Abrupt Exit From Nigeria
He described aspects of the current ride-hailing model as “modern-day economic exploitation,” arguing that drivers should have a stronger voice in decisions affecting their livelihoods.
In response to questions about its commitment to Nigeria, inDrive said it charges a service fee of about 10 per cent and allows drivers and passengers to negotiate fares directly rather than relying on an algorithm to determine prices.
The platform currently operates in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Ibadan, Owerri and Enugu.
While AUATON did not directly dispute inDrive’s pricing model, the union maintained that the real test of the platform’s commitment should be reflected in drivers’ earnings and overall welfare.
Iwindoye challenged inDrive to explain how its continued presence in Nigeria would put more money in the pockets of drivers and provide them with a more dignified livelihood.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
