Uber Technologies Inc. has disclosed that its platform facilitated a collective N6.1 billion in additional annual earnings for drivers across Nigeria in 2023, according to the company’s Economic Impact Report for the country, released amid a continuing strike by ride-hailing operators in Lagos.
The walkout, which began on Monday, March 17, 2026, and persisted through Tuesday and Wednesday, has disrupted services on major platforms including Uber, Bolt, and inDrive. Drivers have cited escalating operational costs—particularly fuel prices and vehicle maintenance—alongside low trip fares and unfavourable working conditions as the primary reasons for the industrial action.
In response to the strike, Uber emphasised the critical role drivers play in its ecosystem and reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement. “Drivers are at the heart of our business,” the company stated, noting that it maintains regular roundtable discussions with drivers to address concerns and improve conditions.
The N6.1 billion figure represents the estimated additional income drivers earned through the Uber app nationwide, rather than individual earnings, which vary depending on hours worked, number of trips completed, and personal operating expenses. Uber launched operations in Nigeria in 2014, starting in Lagos and later expanding to Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan, establishing itself as one of the dominant players in the local ride-hailing market.
This is not the first time Lagos drivers have downed tools. Previous protests have similarly focused on commission structures, fare levels, and the rising cost of doing business in the sector. The recurring disputes reflect persistent tensions between platform operators and drivers, even as the industry continues to generate significant economic activity and income opportunities.
Uber expressed its preference for dialogue over confrontation, indicating that ongoing conversations could lead to adjustments in fare policies, commission rates, or other operational terms. The resolution of the current strike will likely influence working dynamics across Lagos’s ride-hailing ecosystem, which serves millions of daily commuters and remains a vital component of urban mobility in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
As the industrial action enters its third day, both riders and drivers await developments that could restore normal service levels while addressing the underlying grievances fuelling the unrest.
