Cab-hailing drivers in Lagos have vehemently rejected Bolt’s recently launched driver engagement hub in Lekki, characterizing it as a calculated move to fragment their collective strength and engage with them individually, thereby undermining the principle of collective bargaining. Technext reported that Bolt officially inaugurated this new hub on Monday, with the company stating its purpose is to elevate the experience of its driver-partners operating within its service areas. Yahaya Mohammed, Bolt Nigeria Country Manager, asserted that the driver hub would lead to an enhanced quality of service for drivers, encompassing improved support, effective communication channels, training opportunities, community building, efficient issue resolution, driver appreciation, and positive branding.

However, drivers who spoke to Technext expressed strong disapproval, perceiving the hub as yet another tactic by Bolt to exploit their vulnerable situation, dismantle their union, and prevent them from organizing into a unified and powerful force. Emmanuel, a driver, remarked that drivers are increasingly astute to the ploys of ride-hailing applications like Bolt. He emphasized that the paramount issue for Bolt and similar companies is their refusal to engage in collective bargaining with drivers. Emmanuel criticized the driver hub initiative, stating, “All these things that Bolt is doing is so they can be engaging drivers individually. They should deal with the union otherwise all these things are rubbish. Reading this (new driver hub) news is so annoying. They say they are building driver hubs to solve drivers’ issues, why don’t they respond to the letters sent to them (by the union)? Why don’t they work with the union let’s have a collective bargain with them?”

Comrade Ibrahim Ayoade, Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment that Bolt has yet to officially recognize the union, despite its government approval. He firmly stated that recognizing the union would be in Bolt’s best interest. Ayoade unequivocally labeled the hub as a “100 per cent divide-and-rule strategy.” He further criticized Bolt’s perceived arrogance, accusing the company of disrespecting the Nigerian constitution and labor laws by imposing its own rules and terms of survival. He lamented that after seven years of what he described as poor treatment of drivers, Bolt still fails to embrace dialogue with AUATON.

Drivers also pointed to other recent Bolt initiatives, which the company claims are measures to support its drivers, but which have generated controversy. These include a €20,000 accelerator program for drivers with mobility-related business ideas, and a “drive to win a prize” campaign offering various rewards. Most notably, a recent offer of a 10 per cent commission on rides was met with strong anger from drivers. This commission was contingent upon drivers accepting lower economy class rides, irrespective of the quality of their vehicles. Emmanuel questioned the fairness of this condition, asking, “What kind of stupid condition is that? How can you give someone ram but you’re still holding the rope? Which kind of condition is that, giving 10 per cent on economy class? Have you checked the useless price they are putting on that economy class?” He added that sometimes the price of economy class rides is artificially inflated because riders avoid them, suggesting that if Bolt intends to offer 10 per cent, it should be a flat rate without restrictive conditions.

Looking ahead, drivers are signaling their readiness for a sustained struggle. Those interviewed by Technext were unanimous in their belief that e-hailing drivers must unite to confront the app companies to ensure the long-term viability and profitability of their profession. Driver Omoluabi suggested that the union should proactively engage the government, alleging that app companies might be influencing authorities, causing delays in addressing driver-related issues. He stressed, “Let the Union take this fight to the Government. Putting ourselves in the media will pressure the government to regulate this sector of transportation. As you know, the government is the only entity that can regulate the sector, not the Union. The Union doesn’t have the powers to regulate but to protect the interests of its members (drivers).” Comrade Ayoade concurred, attributing the app companies’ unchecked ability to impose their policies, without considering the impact on millions of Nigerians, to the government’s lack of involvement. He issued a strong call to the government to compel these companies to adhere to labor laws, warning of a potential “uprising of app drivers” if the situation remains unaddressed.