This development is coming amid a fuel price hike beyond the 1,000 naira mark
Drivers operating on the platforms of e-mobility companies, Uber, Bolt and inDrive have condemned what they termed unfair treatment and policies by these companies in the face of the increasingly challenging work environments occasioned by fuel price increases. This was contained in a statement by the Lagos council chairman of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez.
According to the chairman, one of the factors limiting drivers’ earnings in the face of rising fuel price is the driver score feature. This feature causes economic and psychological stress to the drivers because it does not avail them the flexibility they require to do their jobs and earn more many to stave off the hardship.
“The Driver Score Feature causes economic instability and psychological stress. The current system forces drivers to bear the brunt of fuel price increases while your commission remains intact. This is unsustainable and unjust. The removal of the Driver Score feature will promote flexibility and freedom,” Comrade Jaiyesimi said.
The chairman also condemned what he termed “unfair practices and policies” by the e-hailing app companies. These practices include unchanging commissions and the reluctance of the companies to effect an increase in fares that is commensurate with the monumental increase in fuel prices. This is not taking into consideration the time spent in queues while trying to get the fuel.
“We write to express our deep dissatisfaction with the unfair treatment and policies imposed upon us. Despite the constant fuel price increases, your commission rates remain unchanged, exacerbating the economic struggles of drivers working on your platforms. The recent fuel price hike in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, necessitates urgent action,” the Lagos AUATON chairman said.
Uber/Bolt drivers demand 10% commission amid fuel price hike
This development is coming amid a fuel price hike that has seen the cost of the all-important premium motor spirit soar beyond the 1,000 naira mark. In several states, prices have soared to as much as 1,500 naira. This is despite the eventual fuel production of Dangote Refinery which many people expected would crash the price of the product.
Despite the fuel price hike, it is also frustrating that the queues are yet to disappear as long queues continue to characterise gas stations across the country. This means drivers now have to waste precious hours queuing to get a product sold at near-affordable prices. This waste of manhours is further frustrating when the cost of their service does not reflect an increase that is commensurate with the effort and financial resources.
In light of this, the drivers are demanding various reliefs. One of them is an increase in trip prices to significantly align with the current fuel price hike and the attendant loss of hours to obtain them. While this would mean the pain of an increase in fares for the eventual user, the drivers insist that this is nonetheless necessary if they must earn a reasonable income.
The drivers are also demanding that the e-hailing companies reduce their commissions to a unified 10 per cent. They believe that this would naturally mean they earn more per trip. They also believe it is unfair for the app company to make drivers and riders bear all the brunt of the fuel price hike while preserving their commissions.
Indeed, another AUATON chief, Comrade Iwindoye has previously condemned the 25 per cent commission by Bolt and Uber, describing it as a humongous and unfair reward for the kind of aggregating service they offer.
Speaking during a podcast in Lagos, the PRO maintained that the drivers who are the backbone of the industry are getting the short end of the stick.
“We are the owners of the business. We are the ones going through a lot of difficulties on the road. The cars belong to us. We are the ones maintaining and taking care of the car. We are the ones fueling the cars. What are they doing for us? They only connect and link us to riders and they are still taking humongous commissions which leave us with nothing to go home in the evenings. Many of our members sleep on the road because they cannot go home. When you work from morning till evening, nothing is left with you, how do you want to go back home to go and meet your family?” he had said.
The drivers say that reducing the commission will ensure drivers’ economic stability.
“We urge you to address these concerns swiftly, recognizing the mutual benefits of a fair and sustainable partnership,” Comrade Jaiyesimi said.
Public relations officer of inDrive Africa, Lineo Thakhisi, however, told Technext that the company does not have a score feature. Instead, they have a ‘tier’ feature which is designed to spotlight high-performing drivers. He said this feature is part of inDrive’s service quality drive where high-tier drivers unlock more benefits than regular drivers. However, if a driver is not in a high tier, it does not negatively impact their earning potential.
He also noted that drivers have the option to skip rides as it is a key feature in apps with this type of tiered scoring system. However, for a better user experience, the company recommends that drivers avoid cancelling after accepting a ride request. But even that is not controlled by any scoring system.
On the commission, he emphasised that the app company already charges 9.99 per cent which the drivers are demanding.
“We are at the forefront of the best commission. We charge 9.99% already which is an indication that we understand what works for the drivers and built our products in line with that. In major cities, we still offer a zero per cent commission,” Lineo said.
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