E‑hailing operators in Abuja, including those working for Bolt and inDrive, report that climbing fuel costs, vehicle upkeep and platform commissions are severely cutting into their take‑home pay, making it harder to sustain their livelihoods.
Key facts:
- Drivers claim that fuel, spare‑part and tyre prices have risen sharply, while platform fees can exceed 20% of each trip.
- One driver who switched his car to compressed natural gas (CNG) still finds earnings insufficient despite lower fuel bills.
- Some drivers have begun negotiating fares directly with passengers or completing rides outside the apps to cover expenses.
- Passengers report fare inflation and occasional price hikes after bookings are confirmed.
- Legal expert Blessing Oloyede warns drivers to read contract terms carefully, noting that electronic acceptance creates binding obligations.
What are the drivers’ main grievances?
Drivers say the cost of petrol has become a dominant factor affecting every aspect of vehicle operation, from routine maintenance to the price of spare parts. A driver who asked to remain anonymous explained that the surge in fuel prices has pushed spare‑part costs “beyond imagination,” leaving many operators with barely enough profit to survive, let alone maintain their cars.
How are platform charges affecting profitability?
According to the same driver, Bolt deducts more than 20% from each completed trip. Combined with fares that many consider too low, the commission structure leaves drivers struggling to break even. Some have resorted to negotiating fares directly with regular customers or completing rides off‑platform, where they can set rates they deem sustainable.
What steps have drivers taken to cut costs?
Obi Anthony, an inDrive driver who formerly ran a conventional taxi, converted his vehicle to CNG in an effort to lower fuel expenses. He acknowledges that the switch has not fully resolved his financial strain, stating, “Even with the CNG, it’s not still that easy.” He urges e‑hailing firms to revisit their fee models and to send field representatives to experience drivers’ challenges firsthand.
What are passengers experiencing?
Riders such as Catherine Etim have noticed longer wait times and unexpected fare increases after booking. Etim recounted a scenario where a ride quoted at N3,000 was later raised to N4,000 by the driver. While some passengers appreciate safety features like driver verification and trip tracking, many are reverting to public transport to save money, despite its lower comfort level.
Are safety concerns also a factor?
Beyond financial pressures, drivers highlight personal safety risks, including robbery and carjacking when picking up unknown passengers or traveling to remote areas. They question whether existing passenger‑verification procedures are adequate to protect them.
What is the regulatory backdrop?
Abuja Metro notes that most app‑based drivers operate as independent contractors, bearing all costs for fuel, maintenance and vehicle financing. Their access to employment benefits depends on prevailing labour laws and the specific terms of their engagement with the platforms.
The Amalgamated Union of App‑Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) serves as a collective voice for drivers, lobbying for better earnings and working conditions. Lawyer Blessing Oloyede advises drivers to scrutinise the contractual terms they accept, warning that electronic agreements are legally binding and can have serious consequences if ignored.
Efforts to obtain comments from Bolt and inDrive have so far been unsuccessful, with emails and messages remaining unanswered at the time of this report.