LagRide Drivers Threaten Nationwide Protest Over Alleged Exploitation
Lagos, Nigeria – Drivers operating under Lagos State’s government-backed ride-hailing platform, LagRide, have issued a seven-day ultimatum to management, threatening to cripple operations with mass protests over alleged systemic exploitation and operational failures. The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) escalated the crisis on Thursday, March 27, 2025, by publicly detailing grievances that could disrupt transport services across Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Broken Promises, Mounting Grievances
In a damning statement signed by AUATON’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Iwindoye Steven, drivers accused the Lagos State Government and its Chinese partner, CIG Motors Co. Ltd (manufacturers of GAC Motors), of betraying the initiative’s original vision.
“What began as a transformative partnership to empower drivers has degenerated into a cycle of financial opacity and punitive management,” the statement read. Drivers highlighted chronic app failures that strand both operators and passengers, with earnings often delayed for weeks. One driver, who identified himself as Adebayo, recounted withdrawing just ₦18,000 from expected ₦63,000 weekly earnings due to unexplained deductions.
Four Core Demands
The union’s manifesto outlines critical operational failures:
- Technological Sabotage: The LagRide app reportedly crashes for 4-7 hours daily, automatically penalizing drivers for missed rides during outages.
- Financial Black Box: Over 300 drivers submitted evidence showing discrepancies between trip records and actual payments, with some reporting 40% unexplained deductions.
- Kangaroo Justice: 127 drivers claim immediate account deactivation without hearings for passenger complaints, including unverified allegations.
- Insurance Void: Despite mandatory premium deductions, multiple drivers involved in accidents reported being denied coverage by lead insurer, Heirs Insurance.
Government’s Dilemma
The standoff presents an acute political challenge for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which had touted LagRide as a flagship public-private partnership. Launched in 2022 with 1,000 GAC SU
