Ahead of a planned October 12 indefinite strike by the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), ride-hailing company Bolt is calling for dialogue with the app workers' union to achieve meaningful progress. The company disclosed its position in a message to Technext.

Bolt said it has noted the concerns raised by the Lagos State Council of AUATON regarding driver earnings, operating costs, platform charges, transparency, and welfare. The company said it recognises the economic pressures facing drivers and understands the importance of maintaining a sustainable environment in which drivers can continue to earn and operate successfully.

Commenting on the planned engagement, Bolt's Head of Regulatory and Policy in Africa, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said that because drivers are central the ride-hailing ecosystem, the company recognises 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. Our focus is on listening, understanding the issues and identifying practical ways to strengthen the driver experience while ensuring that ride-hailing remains safe, reliable and accessible for everyone. We are committed to building a sustainable ecosystem in which drivers, passengers and platforms can continue to thrive," she said.

Bolt further expressed its belief that constructive engagement is the most productive way to address concerns, identify practical solutions and strengthen the relationship between drivers and the platforms on which they operate.

"In this spirit, Bolt is committed to engaging AUATON and driver representatives in a roundtable discussion early next week to listen to their concerns, exchange perspectives and explore practical areas for further collaboration. We approach this engagement in good faith, with a shared interest in a safe, reliable and economically sustainable ride-hailing ecosystem," the company said.

AUATON's planned shutdown of Bolt and inDrive

As Technext previously reported, AUATON declared an indefinite strike beginning October 12 that will see the union shut down the Bolt and inDrive apps in Lagos. The action is intended not only to draw massive attention to the plight of e-hailing drivers and other app workers, but also to bring the two major apps in the country, Bolt and inDrive, to the table.

The union noted that rising operational costs, vehicle financing obligations, fuel expenses, maintenance costs, insurance, data subscriptions, government levies and other daily expenses have placed enormous financial pressure on drivers. However, 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.

The union is therefore demanding a fare review that reflects prevailing economic realities and the actual cost of operating a vehicle, as well as a substantial reduction in commissions with a target of not more than 10 per cent, subject to negotiations and a transparent explanation of any additional charges or deductions.

Fare and commission structures determine how e-hailing earnings are divided between drivers and platforms, which is why they sit at the core of the union's demands. With Bolt and inDrive the two major apps in the country, the dispute directly touches both driver earnings and passenger mobility in Lagos.

While acknowledging drivers' concerns, Bolt said meaningful progress comes from open communication, mutual understanding, and solutions that consider the interests of drivers, passengers, and the wider mobility ecosystem. The company also encouraged drivers not to down tools ahead of the conversations.

"As discussions progress, we encourage drivers to continue providing services to passengers while we work towards a constructive path forward. Bolt remains committed to its driver community and to strengthening the partnership that supports mobility across Lagos," the company said.

Attention now turns to the roundtable Bolt has proposed for early next week, and to whether it produces movement on fares and commissions before the union's October 12 strike deadline.