Uber reports N6.1bn driver earnings as Lagos strike disrupts ride-hailing

Uber Technologies Inc. has revealed that drivers using its platform in Nigeria collectively earn about N6.1 billion annually, even as a strike by app-based transport operators continues to disrupt services in Lagos.

The protest, which began on Monday and persisted through Wednesday, has affected major ride-hailing platforms including Uber, Bolt, and inDrive, leading to reduced ride availability across the city.

Driver unions say the strike was triggered by rising operational costs, low fares, and difficult working conditions.

Many drivers logged off their apps in protest, highlighting growing tensions within Lagos’s rapidly expanding ride-hailing sector.

In response, Uber emphasised the importance of drivers to its operations, stating that it remains committed to engaging them through dialogue and regular consultations.

According to the company’s 2023 Economic Impact Report for Nigeria, the N6.1 billion figure represents the total additional income generated annually by drivers on the platform nationwide.

It noted that individual earnings vary depending on factors such as the number of trips completed, hours worked, and operating expenses.

Since launching in Nigeria in 2014, Uber has expanded from Lagos to cities including Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, becoming one of the leading players in the country’s ride-hailing market.

The latest strike is not the first, as drivers have previously protested over similar concerns, including fare levels, commission charges, and increasing costs of operations.

The recurring disputes underscore ongoing friction between drivers and ride-hailing companies despite the income opportunities provided by the platforms.

Uber reiterated its preference for dialogue, noting that ongoing discussions with drivers could shape future decisions on fares, commissions, and overall operational policies in Lagos.