Edo State e-Hailing Drivers Announce 3-Day Warning Strike Over Unfair Earnings
E-hailing drivers in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, are set to commence a three-day warning strike starting Monday, July 28, 2025. This decisive action, orchestrated by the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) in the region, highlights escalating tensions within Nigeria’s burgeoning gig economy. The drivers’ decision underscores growing discontent over what they describe as unsustainable earnings and commission structures imposed by ride-hailing companies operating in the country.
The Core of the Grievance: Unsustainable Income and Fuel Costs
Comrade Russell Eghaghe, the Chairman of AUATON’s Edo State Chapter, confirmed the impending strike to Technext, emphasizing its necessity. According to Eghaghe, the current pricing models and commission rates levied by e-hailing app companies no longer provide a livable income for drivers. This dire situation, if left unaddressed, has the potential to escalate into a more widespread industrial action, which the union is actively attempting to prevent. Eghaghe revealed the depth of driver frustration, stating that his office is inundated with complaints regarding these issues. He noted that from the drivers’ perspective, this protest is “belated,” but the union intervened to “maintain some balance because people are angry.” The core of their anger is palpable, especially considering the soaring operational costs. Eghaghe cited a stark example: “How can you be buying fuel at almost 1,000 per litre, and a company like inDrive will be giving you rid.” (the original quote was truncated). This stark disparity between high fuel prices and seemingly inadequate ride fares forms the crux of the drivers’ demand for an urgent review of app companies’ remuneration policies.
The impending strike by Edo State e-hailing drivers serves as a critical call to action for ride-hailing platforms to re-evaluate their operational policies in the Nigerian market. With drivers struggling to make ends meet amidst rising living and operational costs, the outcome of this three-day warning strike will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of app-based transportation services and the livelihoods of gig workers across the nation. It underscores the urgent need for a fair and sustainable economic model that benefits both the companies and the dedicated drivers who form the backbone of the service.
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