Moove and UberGo Drivers in Lagos Protest Drastic 100% Remittance Hike
Ride-hailing drivers operating under Moove’s vehicle financing scheme and Uber’s UberGo platform in Lagos, Nigeria, have initiated a protest, halting operations to voice their dissatisfaction over a sudden and significant increase in their weekly repayment obligations. Drivers are denouncing what they describe as an “unjust” doubling of their remittances without corresponding extensions to repayment periods or any form of financial relief.
# Unpacking the ‘Unjust’ Remittance Increase
The crux of the drivers’ grievance centers on a 100% hike in their weekly remittance for Suzuki S-Presso cars. According to the protesting drivers, their weekly payments surged from ₦56,400 to a staggering ₦112,200. This steep increment, they argue, is unsustainable and detrimental to their livelihoods, particularly as it was implemented without any accompanying adjustments to their loan terms. A detailed breakdown of the new ₦120,200 weekly payment reveals that only approximately ₦39,766 is allocated towards the actual car loan, accounting for roughly a third of the total sum. The remaining substantial portion covers various operational costs, including maintenance, insurance, health cover, and a considerable “handling cost” amounting to ₦42,735. Drivers highlight that this “handling cost” alone is disproportionately high, eclipsing the actual loan repayment component. One driver emphatically stated, “We are protesting the 100% increase in weekly remittance.”
This protest underscores the ongoing challenges faced by ride-hailing drivers in the African tech ecosystem, particularly those reliant on vehicle financing models. The drivers maintain that the new payment structure is untenable, making it exceedingly difficult to meet targets, manage personal expenses, and ultimately pay off their vehicles. Their action signifies a strong demand for a review of the remittance structure and a more equitable arrangement from Moove and Uber.
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