The Lagos ride-hailing sector is facing renewed scrutiny following claims by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) that Bolt has implemented a 50% fare reduction, significantly affecting drivers’ earnings.
AUATON’s Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Steven Iwindoye, warned that a mass protest could be imminent if the alleged fare adjustment is not reversed.
However, in exclusive interviews with Nairametrics, some Bolt drivers refuted the claim. Drivers Christian and Evans Nwokoro stated they had not transported any passengers who received a 50% discount, adding that Bolt’s discounts are part of a targeted loyalty program rather than a uniform fare reduction.
With rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs, fare adjustments remain a contentious issue for ride-hailing drivers in Nigeria. The latest dispute highlights ongoing concerns over pricing transparency, fair compensation, and the balance between customer incentives and driver earnings.
While fare disputes are common in the industry, the drivers maintained that Bolt’s pricing model does not impose a blanket fare slash but instead applies structured incentives based on customer history.