Edo App-Based Drivers Protest Exploitation, Demand Fair Treatment from Bolt, Uber, In-Drive

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Edo State Chapter, in collaboration with e-hailing drivers, staged a peaceful protest in Benin City on Tuesday, decrying what they described as exploitative practices by major ride-hailing platforms—Bolt, Uber, and In-Drive.

Gathering at the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, the protesting drivers carried placards bearing messages such as: “E-hailing drivers in Benin are humans, have families and responsibilities and cannot survive with your unreasonable prices and exploitative commission,” and “Bolt, Uber, and In-Drive, Edo drivers are not your slaves.”

The demonstrators called on the companies to review their fare structures and commission policies, which they say have become unsustainable, especially given the rising costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and data.

Speaking on behalf of the drivers, the Edo State Chairman of AUATON, Comrade Russell Eghaghe, described the working conditions of e-hailing drivers in the state as “unbearable” and urged the state government to intervene.

“We are not being treated fairly by the app companies,” Eghaghe said. “They increase their commission without notice, reduce trip fares arbitrarily, and leave all the financial burdens—fuel, data, repairs—on the drivers. Then they still complain about the state of our vehicles.”

Eghaghe also lamented ongoing harassment by local government task forces, which he said arrest drivers for picking up passengers without buying local park tickets. “We’re pleading with the government to include us in decision-making and offer protection from these harassments,” he added.

The Vice Chairman of the union, Comrade Victor Shuah, raised concerns over security, accusing the ride-hailing platforms of failing to properly vet passengers. “Drivers are rigorously profiled, but passengers aren’t. Many use fake names like ‘Killer’ or ‘Devil’ and unverified numbers. This has led to tragic cases—drivers losing cars, valuables, and even lives,” Shuah said.

He also criticized Bolt for allegedly penalizing drivers who report safety concerns. “If you report a rider who threatens your life, your profile can be deleted. They discourage us from going to the police, yet offer no protection,” he added.

In response, the Chairman of the NUJ, Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, commended the drivers for conducting a peaceful protest and urged them to remain orderly. He assured them of the media’s support in amplifying their demands and encouraged the union to seek dialogue with the state government through the Ministry of Transportation.

The protest adds to growing concerns nationwide over the treatment of app-based transport workers, with calls mounting for regulation and labor protections in the gig economy.