App-based transport drivers in Lagos have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over what they describe as exploitative policies by Uber/Moove.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) said on Monday that the company’s Drive-To-Own (DTO) scheme has left drivers burdened with debt, forced into unsafe working hours, and denied proper health coverage.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, AUATON Chairman, Mr. Azeez Jaiyesimi, said the union had given Uber/Moove five working days to reverse the “unfair policies” or face industrial action.
He accused the company of unilaterally raising drivers’ daily remittance from ₦9,400 to ₦18,700 – a 100 per cent increase – without consultation, fare adjustments, or reduction in commissions.
“This sudden hike has placed unbearable financial strain on our members, who are already working under very tight margins,” he said.
Jaiyesimi also alleged that Uber/Moove continued to deduct Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) fees from drivers without enrolling them in any health scheme. He described this as “a breach of trust and a failure of corporate responsibility.”
He further accused the company of manipulating repayment records to extend repayment periods unfairly, trapping many drivers in what he termed “perpetual indebtedness.” According to him, drivers under the DTO scheme are compelled to work at least 72 hours a week and complete 82 trips.
“This requirement is unsustainable and unsafe. Fatigued drivers are more prone to accidents, endangering both themselves and the commuting public,” Jaiyesimi warned.
On commissions, the union noted that while regular Uber drivers pay 25 per cent, DTO drivers are charged 33.33 per cent. Jaiyesimi said this was discriminatory and amounted to economic exploitation.
AUATON’s demands include the immediate reversal of daily remittances to ₦9,400; proper HMO enrolment for all drivers; transparent repayment records; harmonised commission rates with regular Uber drivers and a reduction of excessive workload.
“DTO drivers must not be unfairly penalised with higher commissions. The 25 per cent applied to regular Uber drivers must equally apply to DTO drivers,” Jaiyesimi insisted.
The union gave Uber/Moove 72 hours to open formal dialogue with AUATON representatives. “Should Uber/Moove fail to respond, we will have no choice but to declare an indefinite industrial action after five working days, starting from today,” he said.
Jaiyesimi stressed that the matter was not only a labour issue but also one of social justice. “Uber/Moove must understand that profitability cannot come at the expense of human dignity, public safety, and workers’ rights,” he said, adding that drivers were not opposed to innovation or business growth but were only demanding fairness and accountability.
AUATON also called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the general public to intervene.
“Together, we can ensure that app-based transportation in Nigeria thrives not on the backs of exploited workers, but on a foundation of justice, fairness, and mutual respect,” Jaiyesimi concluded.
