Some Uber and Bolt e-cab drivers in Lagos demanded on Saturday that the e-hailing companies immediately increase the fares they charge, or they would go off the road on Monday.
The e-cab operators, who operate under the umbrella of the Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association, threatened to go on strike if their demands were not met.
At a news conference in Lagos, PEDPA National President Idris Shonuga called for an immediate increase in e-cab fares to reflect the country’s current economic reality.
According to Shonuga, the Uber and Bolt platforms handle over 95% of e-hailing transactions.
According to Shonuga, the Uber and Bolt platforms handle over 95% of all e-hailing transactions.
He claimed that the companies refused to review their pricing despite unprecedented increases in the prices of fuel, vehicle spare parts, food, and other essential commodities in the country.
“In an effort to work cooperatively and harmoniously toward resolving some issues, the association sent several letters to the companies, which were ignored, demonstrating a callous attitude toward our plight.
“Your companies have failed, refused, and neglected to honor our request for a meeting to discuss issues important to all Nigerian e-hailing drivers.
“And to fashion a harmonious relationship that will benefit, dignify and improve the standard of living of e-hailing drivers, private car owners and the general standard of e-hailing business in the country.
“Instead of fixing a new and reasonable fare in line with inflation, the companies have recklessly continued to maintain the low fare, thereby, impoverishing hard working young Nigerians who are diligently and lawfully trying to make a decent living,” Shonuga said.
The e-cab operators also demanded an adequate welfare package for drivers as well as compensation for the families of those killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
According to the association, more than 15 drivers were killed in accidents while on the job, and others were permanently disabled.
According to the association, more than 20 other people have been kidnapped or killed by ritualists with no remuneration from the operators.
Shonuga stated that if the association’s demands were not met, it would consider taking legal action to seek redress from the e-hailing companies.
