Lagos Assembly Summons Uber, Bolt, LagRide, Others Over Labour Rights Violations
The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned leading ride-hailing companies including Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Rida, and LagRide to appear before a public hearing over allegations of labour rights violations and non-compliance with established agreements governing the welfare of app-based transport workers.
The summons follows a petition submitted by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos Chapter, which raised the alarm over what it described as the continuous victimisation, poor treatment, and lack of safety measures affecting thousands of drivers operating on these platforms across the state.
According to the union, the petition—titled “Public Petition Against Uber, Bolt, Indrive, Rida, and LagRide for Non‑Compliance with the National Collective Agreement and Corporate Negligence Resulting in the Victimisation of App‑Based Transport Workers in Nigeria”—was triggered by years of unresolved concerns.
The petition outlines several major grievances:
• Exploitation and unfair pricing: Drivers allege that companies manipulate fare prices and commission rates without consultation, in some cases collecting over 25% per trip, significantly reducing driver earnings.
• Lack of employment benefits: Despite being essential service providers, drivers are not recognised as formal employees.
The platforms allegedly fail to provide health insurance, pensions, or any structured welfare systems.
• Safety failures: There are growing concerns over the safety of drivers and passengers alike. AUATON cited multiple instances where drivers have been attacked during rides—one such case involved a driver held at knifepoint while using the inDrive app.
• Suppression of workers’ rights: The union claims that drivers involved in protests or advocacy for better working conditions have faced deactivation and blacklisting by the companies.
AUATON’s Lagos Chairman, Mr. Azeez Jaiyesimi, confirmed that the Lagos Assembly’s hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, where representatives from the summoned companies are expected to answer to these allegations. The union’s Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, reiterated their commitment to securing justice for app-based transport workers, many of whom he says are operating under “modern slavery conditions.”
In addition to the summons, AUATON has called for a Restorative Justice Conference to be held in July 2025, aimed at establishing clear and enforceable standards for the treatment of ride-hailing drivers. The union hopes the conference will produce a framework that includes:
• Fair pricing mechanisms
• Transparent commission policies
• Driver verification systems
• Health and safety guarantees
• Recognition of drivers’ rights to unionise
This development represents a growing push within Nigeria for regulation of the gig economy and may set a precedent for other states grappling with the challenges of informal employment within tech-driven service platforms.
As of the time of this report, none of the summoned companies have issued public statements regarding their attendance or defense. The outcome of the hearing may influence future legislation governing digital transport operations in Lagos and could prompt wider reforms across Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry.
The Lagos Assembly’s intervention comes at a time when the relationship between ride-hailing companies and their drivers is increasingly strained, with drivers continuing to agitate for greater transparency, protection, and fair treatment in an industry that has become a vital part of the urban economy.
