inDrive Unaffected by Lagos Protests, Reports Increase in Driver Sign-Ups

One of the popular ride-hailing companies in Nigeria, inDrive, has announced that they are not affected by the protests carried out by the Lagos e-hailing drivers. On the contrary, the company claims that the time of the protests has seen an increase in the number of drivers signing up. This move was made right in the wake of accusations from drivers who think inDrive’s pricing model is exploitative and cannot be continued.

The protests were initiated by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) Lagos State chapter. The protests began on April 1 while the drivers decided that instead of calling for a fare negotiation model change and for the fares to be reviewed, they would boycott the inDrive app. The drivers stated that the new model requires passengers to bargain with them indiscriminately to the point whereby the drivers are left with bills which are difficult to cover like fuel and maintenance. Furthermore, the union said that the weak security mechanism of the app has also played a part in attacks on drivers.

Still, inDrive has declared that they have not seen any decrease in driver participation despite the complaints mentioned. In their statement, the company stressed the idea that their ridesharing app is different from the traditional ones. With inDrive, the drivers become their boss, they are independent, and can deal directly with their passengers. This bit-by-bit bargaining system between passengers and drivers ensures that the drivers make their own choices about profits and if some fares are not good enough, they can decline to take them.

inDrive not affected by the Lagos protests

The ride-hailing company stated, “Our data doesn’t show a drop in driver participation, actually there are more and more drivers joining our platform.” This statement is fully consistent with inDrive’s policy of openness and fair pricing. The company likewise pointed to the service charge of 9.99% as the lowest in the market in Nigeria, which in fact is said to be the major cause of drivers being able to earn more.

Although AUATON is campaigning for a reform that would solve the problems that their drivers are worried about, such as a lack of proper security protocols and an unsustainable fare structure, the inDrive team argues that their project choice is above all driver’s independence and freedom. A company representative explained that in fact they confirmed that unions were united in their decision to advocate their rights rather than provide their serious drivers with clear information. “Our drivers continue to accept ride requests as usual, and the customer demand is still good,” the company further elaborated.

Public Relations Officer of the union, Steven Iwindoye, vented his inSing at the cruel practices characterizing the relationship between ride-hailing companies like inDrive and the drivers. He mentioned the situation when almost no money was left to the drivers, they were already tired of unfair passenger fare reductions, and the last straw was reached by the drivers. “We have decided not to be part of the profit-driven policies of these companies any longer,” explained Iwindoye.

Regarding these accusations, the Country Representative for inDrive in Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji, has assured everyone that the company is still giving fair and flexible service. He clarified that inDrive’s priority right now is the self-regulation of fare rates (doing what the scheme of working out the cost of the trip oneself indicates), and he was the first to advocate for it when they were discussing the future. Oladimeji stressed the importance of openness in the industry and showed the way for others by talking about transparency as one of their main principles of the business.

As more protests are being staged in Nigeria prompting tensions to the surface of the country’s ride-hailing industry, inDrive seems to be standing firm in their strategy and the track of their growth. The company’s registration of new drivers is their way of supporting them in a period when the people find it difficult to endure difficult matters, which once again proves the company’s words and demonstrates the company’s position in the fiercely co-taking up something as a major part of the market ruled by electronics in Lagos.

There is still a question that is still uncertain; will these developments lead to meaningful changes or further discord? However, for now, inDrive is normally dealing with business matters in spite of the continuing protests from the members of AUATON.

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