Uber reports N6.1bn annual driver earnings amid Lagos strike

Uber Technologies Inc. has highlighted that its platform supports N6.1bn in collective annual earnings for drivers in Nigeria, as app-based transport operators staged a strike in Lagos, the country’s most populous city and commercial hub. The walkout, which began on Monday, continued on Tuesday, and remained ongoing on Wednesday, has affected ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Bolt, and inDrive.

According to union statements, the strike was triggered by rising operational costs, low fares, and challenging working conditions. Drivers logged off their apps, temporarily reducing ride availability across the city and underscoring tensions in Lagos’s fast-growing ride-hailing sector.

The company stressed that drivers are central to the platform’s operations. “Drivers are at the heart of our business, and we remain committed to engaging constructively with them through regular roundtable discussions.”

The N6.1bn figure represents the total additional income generated for drivers using the Uber platform nationwide, according to Uber’s 2023 Economic Impact Report for Nigeria. It does not reflect individual earnings, which vary based on trips completed, hours worked, and operating costs.

“Uber’s 2023 Economic Impact Report for Nigeria revealed that the platform continues to play a meaningful role in supporting earning opportunities. In total, drivers are estimated to earn an additional N6.1bn annually in higher income through their use of the Uber app.”

Uber began operations in Nigeria in 2014, starting in Lagos before expanding to Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan. The company has become one of the leading ride-hailing platforms in the country alongside Bolt and inDrive.

This is not the first strike by Lagos drivers, who have previously walked off the job over low fares, high commission charges, and rising operational costs. The recurrence highlights the ongoing friction between platforms and drivers, despite the substantial earnings generated.

Uber said it is committed to dialogue with drivers, signalling a preference for negotiation over confrontation. The outcome of discussions could influence fare structures, commissions, and operational practices across Lagos’s ride-hailing market.(Punch)