The ride-hailing company insists its platform is growing, not declining, and that its pricing model is fair to drivers.

Earlier, AUATON noted that drivers are abandoning inDrive due to poor security and low fares, but inDrive disagrees. The company asserts that it has not seen a decline in driver participation, instead, the number is increasing.

“Our data does not reflect a decline in driver participation—on the contrary, we continue to see an increase in the number of drivers joining our platform. Recent claims suggesting otherwise do not align with our observations,” the company said.

The ride-hailing platform also dismisses the notion that its drivers are being coerced into accepting inadequate fares. It maintains that its bidding system—where drivers and riders negotiate a price—gives drivers full control over their earnings. 

“At inDrive, we operate a transparent model that prioritises driver autonomy and fair pricing.”

Unlike fixed-fare ride-hailing models, inDrive argues that its approach ensures fairness by letting drivers decide what they are willing to accept.

“Drivers retain complete control over their earnings and are never forced to accept fares that do not align with their expectations,” the statement read.

inDrive also points out that it charges the lowest service fee in Nigeria—9.99%—ensuring that drivers take home more earnings compared to competitors.

AUATON’s most damning claim is that inDrive has failed to protect drivers from violent attacks. The union alleges that the platform’s weak rider verification process has resulted in robberies, assaults, and even fatalities. 

However, inDrive’s response conspicuously sidesteps this issue. Nowhere in its statement does the company directly address the safety concerns raised by drivers.

While inDrive acknowledges the right of unions to protest, it did not engage with the core security complaints. There is no mention of whether the company plans to improve passenger verification, enhance driver protection, or address the risks that AUATON says have cost lives.

An important part of inDrive’s counterargument rests on the stated fact that its drivers are independent professionals, not union members. The company says that AUATON’s calls for a boycott do not show the reality of inDrive’s user base.

“We keep maintaining the freedom for drivers to earn on their terms with the chance to accept, negotiate higher, or skip a ride,” the statement reads.

The implication is that the so-called boycott may not be as effective as AUATON hopes. If most inDrive drivers do not belong to the union, they may choose to continue working despite the protests.

Timothy Oladimeji, inDrive’s country representative, stands by the company’s model, insisting it prioritises fairness for both drivers and riders.

“inDrive remains committed to providing a fair and flexible ride-hailing service where drivers and passengers have control over pricing. We stand by our transparent approach, ensuring that drivers always have the freedom to choose the fares that work best for them,” he said.

The company also states it is open to discussions with stakeholders, regulators, and the media to “discuss the evolving ride-hailing landscape in Nigeria.”

AUATON’s members argue that they are already struggling with unsustainable fares. If drivers continue to feel exploited or unsafe, inDrive’s insistence on “business as usual” may not hold for long.

For now, AUATON won’t back down until real change happens. inDrive, on the other hand, is sticking to its model, convinced that drivers will keep signing up.

Who blinks first?

The union’s spokesperson, Steven Iwindoye, minced no words in his statement on Wednesday. He accused inDrive of failing to protect its drivers, exposing them to criminals who exploit the app’s weak verification process.

“InDrive’s failure to implement a robust security system has cost many drivers their lives. Criminals can easily access the platform by posing as passengers and attacking unsuspecting drivers,” he said.

AUATON claims that a number of drivers have been robbed, attacked, and even killed due to inDrive’s lax security measures. According to the union, without adequate background checks for riders, drivers are left vulnerable, picking up strangers without any real assurance of safety.

Beyond security issues, drivers are also fuming over inDrive’s fare system, which allows passengers to dictate ride prices. Iwindoye argued that this model forces drivers to accept unreasonably low fares, leaving them struggling to cover basic expenses.

“Fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and other expenses have skyrocketed, yet inDrive allows passengers to dictate fares that barely cover our costs. We are being exploited, and we refuse to continue under such a system,” he said.

Some riders reportedly slash fares by as much as 50%, making it nearly impossible for drivers to earn a decent income. AUATON is demanding immediate changes, including a structured fare system that accounts for fuel prices and vehicle upkeep, as well as better support for drivers facing financial hardship.

The union has instructed all its members to stop using inDrive, aiming to bring operations in Lagos to a standstill until their demands are met.

“We call on the government and relevant regulatory agencies to intervene and ensure that inDrive operates transparently and safely,” Iwindoye added.

The move is expected to disrupt transportation for thousands of Lagos commuters who rely on the app for daily movement.

inDrive Responds

The company’s Africa spokesperson, Lineo Thakhisi, defended the platform’s policies, arguing that its model is built on fairness and flexibility.

“Unlike traditional ride-hailing models, inDrive allows drivers to set their own fares and negotiate directly with passengers. This ensures that drivers have greater control over their earnings,” she said.

She also noted that inDrive offers the lowest commission rates in Nigeria, allowing drivers to keep more of their earnings compared to other ride-hailing services.

On security, Thakhisi assured that the company has implemented trip verification, emergency assistance options, and a rating system to improve safety.

“We continuously assess and enhance these security measures to ensure a safer experience for all users,” she said. “We are open to constructive dialogue with drivers and unions.”

With both sides holding firm, the situation is tense. AUATON insists the boycott will continue until inDrive makes considerable changes, while inDrive maintains that its system is fair and secure.

Kolawole Aina, AUATON’s South-West vice president, stressed the need for a unified regulatory system that benefits all stakeholders in the industry.

Speaking during an interview in Lagos, Aina noted the challenges faced by drivers using platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Indrive, explaining that state-level regulations in many parts of Nigeria have been unfavourable to drivers. 

Out of the 26 states where e-hailing drivers operate, only 15 to 17 have regulatory frameworks, Aina said. This often prioritises state revenue and app companies’ interests over drivers’ welfare.

Aina further spoke on the importance of creating a regulatory structure that involves all stakeholders, including government agencies, app companies, drivers, and passengers. He criticised the current system, which places financial and operational burdens disproportionately on drivers and riders.

“Drivers are left to bear the burden of multiple taxes and operational challenges while the states and app companies benefit,” he said. Aina added that a federal framework would harmonise policies and promote fairness across the industry.

The AUATON Vice President further explained that a national regulatory framework could enhance security by introducing passenger profiling, similar to the profiling already done for drivers. This, he said, would help curb the kidnapping of e-hailing drivers and ensure safer operations. “Just as drivers are profiled, passengers should also undergo similar checks. This would significantly reduce the risks faced by drivers,” he suggested.

On taxation, Aina decried the heavy levies enforced on drivers by multiple authorities, calling for a streamlined system to ease their financial burden. “We are taxpayers and contribute to the economy, yet our voices are often ignored. A collaborative relationship between the government, app companies, and drivers is essential for seamless operations,” he said.

Aina revealed that AUATON has been advocating for this national framework for years and hosted a conference in 2024 to push for its implementation. Plans are ongoing for another conference in 2025, aimed at bringing together stakeholders to deliberate on solutions.

The union leader also appealed for improved collaboration between app companies, governments, and drivers to ensure seamless business operations. “We need a system where all parties work together for mutual benefit. Drivers, as taxpayers, deserve to have their voices heard,” Aina said.

AUATON, established in 2023, represents e-hailing drivers, food and courier delivery riders, and other app-based transport workers. The union was officially recognised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment after years of advocacy to address the concerns of app-based workers.

The union continues to push for policies that prioritise fairness, security, and economic benefits for all stakeholders in Nigeria’s e-hailing industry.