Lagos Uber, Taxify Drivers May Down Tools On Monday

 

Uber and Bolt e-cab drivers in Lagos State have threatened to down tools from Monday, April 19, 2021, if their demands are not met.

The cabbies under the umbrella of Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association (PEDPA) want an immediate increase in fares being charged by the e-hailing operators else, they would commence indefinite strike.

PEDPA President, Mr.Idris Shonuga, at a press conference in Lagos, called for immediate rise in e-cab fares to match the ongoing economic reality in the country.

He noted that over 95 per cent of Nigerians who use e-hailing services use either Uber or Bolt platforms.

Shonuga accused the companies of refusing to review their pricing in spite of the inflation that has affected the price of fuel, vehicles spare parts, food items and other essential commodities in the country.

According to him, “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,” Shonuga said.

That is not all. The taxi drivers demand adequate welfare package for drivers and compensation to the families of those that lost their lives or are permanently disabled in the line of duty.

The association said that more than 15 drivers had lost their lives, while some had been permanently disabled in accidents in the course of the service.