The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has formally asked Moove, LagRide and other vehicle financing companies operating in Lagos to grant drivers temporary relief from daily remittance obligations ahead of its proposed October 12 shutdown of the Bolt and inDrive apps.

In notifications addressed to Moove, Ibile Holdings (LagRide), Finatrust Microfinance Bank and other financing entities, titled "Formal Notifications of Proposed Industrial Action and Request for Temporary Remittance Relief for e-hailing Drivers," the union argued that the request became necessary because drivers participating in the action will not be earning enough revenue to meet their obligations during the period. For drivers on vehicle-financing plans, those obligations hold firm even when daily earnings do not — precisely the exposure the union is asking the financing companies to suspend for the duration of the action.

The request to both companies reads: "In view of the proposed industrial action, AUATON respectfully requests Moove Nigeria/LagRide to grant affected drivers temporary relief from daily remittance obligations and related operational targets for the duration of their participation in the action. During the industrial action, drivers will not be generating their normal revenue from which daily remittance obligations ordinarily arise. We therefore appeal to Moove Nigeria/LagRide to refrain from imposing penalties, sanctions or adverse measures solely on the basis of a driver's participation in the industrial action, as drivers are not expected to operate during this period."

The union further disclosed that its task force will be present across all Local Government Areas in Lagos State to monitor compliance with the industrial action. Any driver found operating in violation of the shutdown directives may face appropriate consequences under the union's internal measures, it said.

At the same time, AUATON encouraged financing companies and affected drivers to maintain open communication and address any financing, repayment or operational concerns through constructive engagement during the period of the industrial action.

Why this matters to Moove, LagRide and other fleet owners

AUATON, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria's main labour federation, has scheduled an indefinite shutdown of the Bolt and inDrive apps beginning on October 12. According to the union, the mega protest is intended both to draw massive attention to the plight of e-hailing drivers and other app workers and to bring Bolt and inDrive, the two major ride-hailing apps in the country, to the negotiating table.

The union noted that rising operational costs, including vehicle financing obligations, fuel expenses, maintenance costs, insurance, data subscriptions, government levies and other daily expenses, have placed enormous financial pressure on drivers. It added that the app companies have refused to adjust their existing fare and commission structures to reflect these realities, creating serious concerns about the sustainability of the profession.

In AUATON's view, addressing the concerns presently affecting app-based transporters will contribute to a healthier and more sustainable transportation ecosystem for all stakeholders, including fleet and vehicle-financing partners.

The union said meaningful improvements in driver earnings, welfare and operating conditions would contribute to improved driver retention and reduced turnover, better driver commitment and engagement, and more sustainable vehicle utilisation. Additional benefits for fleet management companies include reduced operational disputes between drivers and fleet partners, improved vehicle maintenance arising from better driver earning capacity, greater repayment sustainability and operational stability, reduced vehicle downtime, and a stronger and more sustainable app-based transportation industry.

The union stated: "Our objective is not to disrupt businesses unnecessarily, but to advocate for conditions that support the long-term sustainability of drivers, fleet partners and the transportation ecosystem as a whole. We respectfully request the understanding and cooperation of Moove Nigeria/LagRide regarding this notification and the temporary relief being sought on behalf of affected drivers."

Moove Nigeria had earlier given its freedom to operate on Bolt and inDrive following the Nigerian exit of its exclusive partner, Uber — leaving its drivers to run on Bolt and inDrive, the same platforms the October 12 action would take offline. The company, however, also warned drivers on its platform that their contractual obligations remain active and that they would not receive any reprieve on remittances. The warning came days after Technext reported that drivers were seeking a reduction in their daily remittances from ₦18,700 to ₦12,000.

"Your contract remains binding, and failure to meet your remittance obligations may result in contract termination and further enforcement action. Contract termination does not cancel any outstanding debt or financial obligations," the company warned.

It remains to be seen whether this appeal from the union will yield a more positive response from the vehicle financing company. Between now and October 12, the signals to watch are whether Moove, LagRide and the other notified financing entities adjust their stance, and whether the threatened shutdown proves sufficient to pull Bolt and inDrive into the negotiations AUATON says it wants. The union's task force presence across every Local Government Area in Lagos will offer an early indication of how widely drivers stay off the apps once the action begins.