Lagos Assembly Probes Uber, Bolt, LagRide, Others on Workers’ Rights Breach

The Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned five major ride-hailing companies—Uber, Bolt, Indrive, Rida, and LagRide—to appear at a public hearing in response to a formal petition by app-based drivers alleging exploitative practices, unsafe operations, and widespread labour rights violations.

The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Monday by the Lagos Chapter Public Relations Officer of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Mr. Steven Iwindoye.

According to the union’s Lagos Chairman, Mr. Azeez Jaiyesimi, the hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, 2025. “The Lagos State House of Assembly has invited the five companies to address rising concerns in the e-hailing sector and work toward establishing a more transparent, fair, and accountable framework within Nigeria’s gig economy,” Jaiyesimi stated.

Details of the Petition

AUATON filed a 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.”

The union accuses the companies of regulatory non-compliance, exploitative labour conditions, and persistent neglect that threaten the welfare and safety of thousands of Lagos-based drivers.

Key Grievances Highlighted

The petition outlines several pressing concerns:

• Lack of Passenger Profiling and weak driver protection systems

• Unilateral Fare Adjustments without consultation with drivers

• Absence of Emergency and Welfare Support mechanisms

• Exploitative Commission Models that diminish drivers’ earnings

• Suppression of Union Activities and refusal to honour collective bargaining agreements

Context and Broader Concerns

AUATON has been a leading voice advocating for a unified federal regulatory framework for Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry. The union argues that fragmented state regulations—currently in place across 26 states—lead to multiple taxation, poor working conditions, and heightened driver insecurity.

Earlier in 2024, AUATON pushed for national legislation to protect drivers, citing increasing reports of kidnapping, violence, and app-related exploitation. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the Lagos State-backed LagRide service, citing limited trip availability in suburban areas like Ikorodu and Epe, along with missing features such as real-time earnings tracking and effective insurance coverage.

The union also raised concerns about LagRide’s compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws, calling for urgent reforms to safeguard driver rights and improve service efficiency.