App-based commercial drivers in Nigeria have announced a national strike set for May 1, 2025, in protest against “decades of exploitation and corporate arrogance” by ride-hailing companies such as Uber, Bolt, Lagride, Indrive, and Rida.
The strike coincides with International Workers’ Day, will see drivers switch off their apps and cease operations for 24 hours, aiming to apply economic pressure on the companies.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), which represents the drivers, accuses the ride-hailing giants of prioritizing profits over the well-being of their drivers.
In a press statement, Steven Iwindoye, AUATON’s Public Relations Officer, stated that the companies have “ignored our concerns and disrespected our rights,” while profiting billions from the labor of drivers who lack benefits, job security, or fair compensation.
The union emphasized that previous attempts to negotiate have failed, and they are now turning to direct action to send a message. “These companies only understand one language: the language of economic pressure,” the statement read.
Following the May Day shutdown, the union plans to present a list of non-negotiable demands and escalate their efforts through media campaigns and alliances with labor and human rights organizations.
This strike is part of a larger global movement calling for justice for gig workers, who have faced rising costs and shrinking incomes due to algorithmic manipulation and exploitative corporate policies. AUATON has urged international support for their cause, framing the strike as a unified stand against the mistreatment of gig economy workers worldwide.
