Bolt, Uber drivers threaten strike over ‘low fares’

Uber and Bolt drivers under the aegis of Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association (PEDPA) have threatened to embark on strike.

The drivers called on e-hailing companies to increase their fares to reflect the nation’s economic realities, especially with the double-digit inflation.

Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, Idris Shonuga, national president of PEDPA, said the e-hailing companies have also refused to address issues of welfare packages for drivers, especially families of those who died and got disabled in the line of duty.

Shonuga noted that 15 drivers had lost their lives in a series of accidents, while 20 had lost their lives through kidnapping or killing by ritualists.

“In a quest to work and harmoniously at resolving some issues, the association wrote several letters to the companies which was not attended to, showing nonchalant attitude towards our plight,” he said.

“Your companies have failed, refused and neglected to honour our request for a meeting to discuss issues beneficial to all e-hailing drivers in Nigeria.

“And to fashion a harmonious relationship that will benefit, dignify and improve the standard of living of e-hailing drivers, private car owners and the general standard of e-hailing business in the country.

“Instead of fixing a new and reasonable fare in line with inflation, the companies have recklessly continued to maintain the low fare, thereby, impoverishing hard working young Nigerians who are diligently and lawfully trying to make a decent living.”