The Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, or AUATON, has ended the four-day strike by e-hailing drivers in Lagos, while calling on members to delete the inDrive app from their phones.
Jaiyesimi Azeez, the union’s Lagos chairman, who is also known as Makavelli, announced the move in a Thursday statement. He said the action had been successful and thanked drivers for their backing and unity throughout the protest.
Azeez said the union reached the decision after reviewing developments during four days of demonstrations over challenges faced by drivers in the ride-hailing sector.
“After reviewing the situation, I announce that the ongoing strike and shutdown have been officially suspended with immediate effect,” he said.
He directed drivers to return to their usual work but urged them to remain attentive to subsequent instructions and union updates.
Even as it suspended the shutdown, AUATON said it remained dissatisfied with inDrive, accusing the company of failing to approach the union for substantive talks during the industrial action or in response to the concerns raised by drivers.
The union said the claimed absence of engagement had prompted questions over the platform’s willingness to address complaints from drivers whose work underpins its business.
“There can be no ride-hailing business without drivers. What we contribute should be met with respect, discussion and serious consideration,” Azeez said.
As part of its next course of action, the union asked drivers to reassess whether they should continue using inDrive and to remove the app from their mobile devices.
It also urged members to consider other ride-hailing services, including MyKaab, Randbax and SimpliRide. AUATON described the platforms as emerging alternatives that may provide a more viable work environment for drivers.
However, the union advised drivers to review the contractual conditions of any app before registering, with particular attention to commission charges, fare-setting rules, payment systems, security provisions and driver-assistance arrangements.
AUATON said its effort was not limited to encouraging a change of apps. Its wider campaign, it said, is aimed at obtaining equitable income, transparent business practices, stronger welfare protections and improved employment conditions throughout the sector.
“The end of the shutdown does not mean the end of the struggle. We must keep organising, engaging, assessing our choices and demanding fairness, openness, improved welfare and respect,” the statement said.
The four-day work stoppage came after rising frustration among e-hailing drivers over fare levels, commissions charged by platforms, operational transparency, income and welfare conditions.
The dispute increased pressure on ride-hailing companies as drivers sought better commercial terms and more meaningful consultations over the economic pressures of working through digital transport platforms.
While AUATON said the shutdown had met its immediate goal, its latest stance suggests that tensions over the relationship between drivers and ride-hailing operators have yet to be settled.
The union also acknowledged the roles played during the action by its executives, task force, national leadership, women’s wing and the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
It urged drivers to stay united and continue pressing for stronger conditions, saying the return to normal operations would not halt its campaign for reforms in the ride-hailing industry.
