In light of the ongoing trend of additional charges within the e-hailing sector, Amos Omoruyi, the Rivers State Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), has emphasized that Bolt drivers who request extra fares from passengers should not be labeled as deceitful.
Omoruyi made this statement in response to allegations aired by the Funky 4, hosts of a radio program on Today FM 95.1, Port Harcourt. The broadcast featured a guest and presenter who portrayed e-hailing drivers, especially those working with Bolt, in a negative light by branding them as “fraudulent” for seeking fare top-ups from riders.
The union leader strongly refuted these accusations, describing them as not only inaccurate but also harmful to the reputation of diligent Nigerian drivers who endure daily hardships to sustain the e-hailing ecosystem amid challenging economic conditions.
“Such claims are not only baseless but also reckless, tarnishing the image of hardworking Nigerians who strive every day to keep the e-hailing industry alive despite soaring costs and economic pressures,” Omoruyi stated.
He highlighted that since the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023, Bolt has not made significant adjustments to its fare structure, even though expenses related to vehicle upkeep, fuel, spare parts, and living costs have surged dramatically.
Due to these financial pressures, numerous drivers have exited the profession as the current pricing model no longer sustains their livelihoods. Instead of abandoning their work, many drivers have resorted to negotiating additional fares to make ends meet.
“It is crucial to understand that these drivers are not scammers. They are parents, young adults, and providers who are fighting to support their families. The occasional fare top-up requests stem directly from Bolt’s failure to implement fair pricing that aligns with real market conditions,” Omoruyi explained.
Dispute Between Bolt and AUATON Over Driver Income
The debate over driver compensation has been a persistent point of contention between e-hailing companies, particularly Bolt, and the union representing drivers. Recently, Bolt asserted that its highest-earning drivers make an average of ₦1,610,351 monthly. The company also revealed that its top 50 drivers collectively earned over ₦9.6 million within six months, citing these figures as evidence of its leading position in driver earnings, commitment to driver welfare, and the strong demand for ride-hailing services.
“These earnings demonstrate Bolt’s ongoing investment in driver incentives, support programs, and operational enhancements aimed at delivering a rewarding experience for our driver community. They also reflect the increasing need for urban mobility solutions and rider confidence in Bolt’s affordable, safe, and accessible platform,” the company stated.
Related: Bolt reports top drivers earning ₦1.6 million monthly amid calls for better driver welfare
In response, AUATON condemned Bolt’s claims, labeling them as misleading and lacking transparency. Comrade Ayoade Ibrahim, the union’s founding secretary, challenged Bolt to provide a detailed breakdown of expenses, describing the company’s statements as a “serious error and market distortion” that has exposed drivers to increased risks, including robbery.
Several drivers interviewed by Technext echoed this skepticism, stating that the reported earnings do not represent the typical income of most drivers on the platform.
“Perhaps they are referring to drivers operating overseas because I have never approached such figures,” one driver remarked.
The demand for better earnings is part of a broader push for enhanced welfare and working conditions for drivers. Amos Omoruyi reiterated that the union has consistently advocated for improved terms from Bolt. However, he criticized uninformed media portrayals, such as the one aired on Today FM 95.1, for undermining these efforts and emboldening Bolt’s resistance to reform.
“We urge media outlets, particularly Today FM 95.1 and the Funky 4 program hosts, to approach issues affecting e-hailing workers with greater responsibility, accuracy, and fairness. Misrepresentation will not deter our fight for justice,” Omoruyi declared.
He concluded by warning that if these ongoing challenges within the e-hailing sector remain unresolved, the union is prepared to initiate a nationwide strike to demand respect, fairness, and sustainable livelihoods for drivers.
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