By Damilola Samuel
Bolt has expressed readiness to engage with the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) following the union’s call for drivers on Bolt and inDrive to withdraw their services in protest against concerns over fares, commissions, welfare and rising operating costs.
The union called on drivers to suspend services on both platforms today, citing issues affecting their earnings and working conditions.
Responding to the planned action, Bolt said it was open to constructive discussions with the union, acknowledging the financial pressures facing drivers and the need to address concerns surrounding platform charges, earnings and transparency.
The company also recognised drivers’ contributions to mobility services and the growth of Lagos’ app-based transportation sector.
Weyinmi Aghadiuno, Bolt’s Head of Regulatory and Policy for Africa, said the company considered drivers central to the ride-hailing ecosystem and was committed to understanding their concerns.
“Drivers are central to the ride-hailing ecosystem, and we recognise the economic realities they are navigating. We take the concerns being raised seriously and believe the best way forward is through constructive, open and solution-oriented engagement,” Aghadiuno said.
He added that Bolt intended to identify practical ways to improve the driver experience while maintaining safe, reliable and accessible services for passengers.
As part of its response, the company committed to holding a roundtable discussion with AUATON and driver representatives early next week. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for both parties to discuss the concerns raised and explore areas for collaboration.
Bolt said it believed that dialogue offered a productive route towards resolving the issues and strengthening relations between drivers and ride-hailing platforms.
“We approach this engagement in good faith, with a shared interest in a safe, reliable and economically sustainable ride-hailing ecosystem,” Aghadiuno said, adding that meaningful progress would require open communication and consideration of the interests of drivers, passengers and the wider mobility sector.
The proposed meeting comes as AUATON presses for changes to conditions it says are affecting drivers’ earnings and welfare across the platforms.
It remains unclear whether the planned engagement will resolve the union’s concerns or affect its call for drivers to withdraw their services.
