Drivers of the government-backed ride-hailing platform, LagRide, are preparing to stage a protest over ongoing tensions with the platform’s new management, led by CIG Motors Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned automaker.
The dispute has been fueled by allegations of misconduct and operational difficulties following the company’s recent takeover.
In a recent notice to drivers, LagRide management accused them of promoting alternative ride-hailing services such as InDrive and Bolt, while discouraging riders from using the LagRide app.
The company also accused drivers of refusing trips without valid reasons and collecting cash payments outside the platform. In response, management warned that drivers could face arrest, vehicle impoundment, and legal action.
“Non-compliant captains (drivers) will face strict disciplinary measures including possible arrest, impoundment of vehicles and legal actions,” read the company’s notice.
However, drivers, backed by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), argue that their actions are a direct result of unresolved issues with the platform.
In a counter-statement, Comrade Iwindoye Steven, the Public Relations Officer of AUATON, stated: “We took exception to the threats of disciplinary measures, legal action, and involvement of the Lagos State Taskforce.
Such measures only serve to escalate tensions between management and captains, rather than addressing the root causes of the issues.”
Drivers have also voiced dissatisfaction with the newly introduced LagRide app, claiming it is not user-friendly and drains phone batteries excessively.
“It’s not user-friendly, and it kills our phone. It drains battery seriously and consumes data,” one anonymous driver explained.
Furthermore, drivers accused the company of extortion. They allege that CIG Motors has forced them to use the wallet option for payments, eliminating the cash option and requiring drivers to remit their earnings to the company weekly, despite additional levies for insurance, communication, and vehicle maintenance.
“These levies include insurance, communication, dashcam, and phone levies. The thing that broke the camel’s back is that they wanted us to remit our income to them,” a disgruntled driver said.
In light of the ongoing issues, drivers have announced plans to protest at the Lagos State Government secretariat in Alausa.
AUATON warned that failure to address their grievances could lead to further unrest, including the possibility of shutting down the LagRide platform.
“If the government fails to intervene, we may escalate our protest, including shutting down LagRide,” AUATON’s statement concluded.