E-hailing: What Drivers in Nigeria Wish Riders Knew

In April 2021, Lagos streets briefly emptied of Uber and Bolt drivers. Under the banner of the Professional E‑Hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association (PEDPA), drivers launched a week-long strike demanding fairer commission rates and protective policies. As PEDPA’s President, Idris Shonuga, put it: “We bear the running costs of fuelling the car… yet we’re selling below cost price.” 

If ride-hailing apps are the tech interface that connects drivers to riders, it’s the drivers who are doing the heavy, gritty work—and often paying more than they earn. That experience deserves to be understood by those inside the car—not just outside it.

What Is E-Hailing?

At its core, e‑hailing (or ride-hailing) is booking a ride using that matches a driver to a passenger within moments. It’s the modern take on a taxi service powered by internet connectivity and GPS, with fares calculated digitally.

In Nigeria, this means tapping a button and having a voice and vehicle show up at your door—any time, usually within minutes.

What Drivers in Nigeria Wish Riders Understood

Here’s the raw truth from drivers navigating Lagos’s gridlock, surging fuel costs, and app commissions.

• Fuel & Cost Pressures
  

  Fuel prices have shot up—drivers report that while fuel costs leapt by over 160%, fare increases were capped at only around 25%, leaving them running trips at a loss.
  

• Commission Burdens
  

  On a ₦15,000 daily gross, drivers say 20–25% goes to the app—for fuel, rental, and upkeep. That leaves only ₦1,200 for the driver’s day after expenses.
  

• Risk & Fragility of the Job
  

  Beyond economics, drivers constantly grapple with insecurity. Overworking to earn pennies can lead to fatigue, heightening accident risk. As Shonuga warned, this is “systemic slavery of Nigerian youth.”
  

Common Misunderstandings & What Drivers Want Riders to Stop Doing

(Riders, here’s a quick-read list.)

• Expecting full speed even in traffic jams or bad roads.
• Cancelling late or misplacing pickup locations.
• Assuming drivers get the full fare—many don’t.
• Not recognizing the cost of fuel, maintenance, and data.
• Expecting polite quiet or conversation without giving a little courtesy in return—treat drivers like humans, not robots.
  

How Riders Can Help Improve the Experience

Mutual respect goes a long way. Riders can:

1. Be clear and punctual: Accurate pickup points and readiness help reduce wasted fuel and time.
   
2. Tip when possible: Even a small extra can help balance daily costs.
   
3. Understand fare inflation: When fuel costs spike, expect slight fare adjustments.
   
4. Respect shared space: Basic politeness—seatbelt, AC settings, minimal noise—makes long days easier.
   
5. Provide constructive feedback: A kind note in-app does better than a harsh one.
   

Driver Voice: Organization, Protest, and Advocacy

The 2021 PEDPA strike was a tipping point—not just protests, but a clear message: drivers aren’t invisible. Their demands included reduced commissions, fare structure reviews, and the right to union representation.

Since then, union gains have gone further. The formation of the Amalgamated Union of App‑Based Transport Workers of Nigeria (AUATWN) offered legal recognition and bargaining power—and strengthened the collective voice of drivers across the country. This wasn’t a gift—it was earned through years of advocacy.

A Call to Action

E-hailing is no longer just about doors and destinations—it’s a shared ecosystem shaped by both driver and rider. We all must walk—or drive—a bit in each other’s shoes.

Drivers power this mobility model; riders fuel their livelihood. Together, let’s drive fairness, mutual respect, and simplified systems that work for all.