Ride-hailing drivers who refused to participate in the May 1 strike organised by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) are reportedly being targeted with fake ride requests.
According to messages seen by Techpoint Africa on the “May Day Log Off” WhatsApp group, striking drivers have been requesting fake rides from those who chose not to join the action, labelling them as “betrayers” of a cause intended to benefit all drivers.
However, many of the drivers targeted with these requests claim they were unaware of the strike.
AUATON had announced the 24-hour strike on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in protest against low wages, sudden app deactivations, safety concerns, and unfair company policies. A major point of contention is the high commission fees charged by ride-hailing platforms, which drivers say leave them with minimal earnings after each trip.
According to one protester, “These platforms prioritise their profits over the well-being of drivers.”
AUATON spokesperson Steven Iwindoye stated that the Union had previously attempted dialogue with the companies, but no meaningful changes were made.
“We’ve tried talking. Now, we’re using economic pressure to be heard,” he said, adding that the May Day protest would not be business as usual, with the Union aiming to mobilise at least 5,000 drivers for the action.
While Techpoint Africa could not independently verify the number of drivers who participated in the strike, a large number were confirmed to be gathered at Onikan Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria.
At the protest site, drivers expressed frustration over their treatment by ride-hailing platforms, calling for social protection, health insurance, pensions, and workers’ compensation.
One driver told Techpoint Africa that maintaining a functional vehicle has become increasingly difficult because of the country’s worsening economic situation. Repaying car loans has also become more challenging as vehicle prices continue to surge. The value of Nigeria’s used vehicle imports rose from ₦325.05 billion in 2022 to ₦1.063 trillion in 2023 — a 226.46% increase within a year.
Interestingly, while the fake ride requests are intended as a form of protest and punishment, they are also being used to inform uninformed drivers about the strike.
This is not the first protest action by ride-hailing drivers. In June last year, they joined a nationwide strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Earlier in 2025, they also urged the federal government to introduce national regulations to replace restrictive state-level policies. AUATON argued that requirements such as licensing fees and mandatory trip data sharing imposed by state governments are detrimental to their livelihoods.
Nevertheless, the absence of clear national regulations continues to hinder AUATON’s advocacy efforts.
