The warning comes as a three-day strike declared by the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) enters its final day, with ride-hailing companies yet to issue a formal response to the drivers’ demands.

AUATON Vice President (South West), Aina Kolawole, said the union had exhausted peaceful channels, including multiple letters to the companies, before resorting to strike action.

“Before now, we have written a series of letters to all of them. They acknowledged our letters, but that was where it ended,” he said.

Kolawole said the next step would be to picket company offices and disrupt operations if negotiations fail.

“We will use every legal means to make sure they listen to us,” he added.

The drivers are demanding an upward review of fares to reflect rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses and inflation, which they say have eroded earnings.

Chairman of AUATON in Lagos State, Jaiyesimi Azeez, accused ride-hailing companies of misrepresenting drivers’ earnings and failing to address their welfare concerns.

He said many drivers struggle to sustain operations despite working long hours, noting that public perceptions of high earnings do not reflect reality.

The union said compliance with the strike across Lagos and Ogun states has reached between 70 and 75 percent, though it acknowledged the difficulty of achieving full participation due to the nature of the work.

As of the time of reporting, none of the companies had issued an official statement. However, an Uber spokesperson said the company remains open to dialogue and regular engagement with drivers.

Sources within the companies said key decisions regarding fare adjustments are made at their global headquarters, which may explain the delay in responding to local demands.

The post Ride-Hailing Drivers Threaten to Picket Uber, Bolt, InDrive Offices as Strike Enters Day Three appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The industrial action was announced by the Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) during a press briefing on Sunday.

Public Relations Officer of the union, Steven Iwindoye, said the strike followed prolonged complaints from drivers about economic pressures affecting app-based transport workers across the state.

According to him, drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms are grappling with rising operational costs, including higher fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses, inflation and increasing living costs.

He said fare structures set by ride-hailing companies have not been adjusted to reflect the current economic realities.

“Drivers operating on these platforms face rising operational costs, including high fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, inflation, and daily living expenses. Unfortunately, fare structures and policies of these companies have not been adjusted to reflect these economic realities,” Iwindoye said.

The union said thousands of drivers now struggle to earn a sustainable income despite working long hours.

During the strike, drivers across Lagos are expected to log off from all ride-hailing platforms in a bid to press for reforms in the sector.

Iwindoye said the protest is intended to demand fair treatment, improved safety protections and economic sustainability for drivers rather than disrupt transportation for commuters.

The union had earlier raised concerns about unsustainable fares on the Bolt platform, noting that after deductions such as platform commissions and operational costs, many drivers are left with minimal earnings.

The post Ride-Hailing Drivers Begin Three-Day Strike Over Low Fares appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The pilot, which started in May, is now active in 10 major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Drivers and riders receive an in-trip alert when recording is enabled.

Uber says recordings are double-encrypted, stored on the driver’s device, and inaccessible to both Uber and riders unless submitted as part of a safety report. Unshared videos are deleted after seven days.

The tool expands on Uber’s in-app audio recording feature launched in India in 2023 and mirrors similar tests in the U.S., Canada, and Brazil. The company has not disclosed when the feature will be rolled out nationwide.

The post Uber Pilots In-App Video Recording for Drivers appeared first on Tech Digest News.

By Abbas Badmus,

Nigeria’s transport landscape is witnessing a remarkable transformation — a shift powered by innovation, digitalisation, and the steady adoption of smart mobility solutions. From e-hailing apps and digital ticketing to electric vehicles and AI-driven traffic systems, technology is redefining how millions of Nigerians move, work, and live.

From Hustle to Smart Mobility

Just a decade ago, commuting across Nigerian cities meant a daily struggle — battling endless traffic jams, waiting for buses, or relying on expensive private cars. Today, a smartphone has become a passport to mobility. With a few taps, Nigerians can now book rides, plan trips, or pay fares without handling cash.

This evolution mirrors global trends toward connected mobility, but Nigeria’s progress is notable for its pace and local ingenuity. Rising fuel prices, urban congestion, and the search for safety and convenience are pushing commuters and innovators toward smarter transport options.

Electric and Hybrid Mobility on the Rise

As petrol prices soar, Nigerians are turning to electric and hybrid mobility solutions. Two- and three-wheelers, once dominated by petrol engines, are increasingly being replaced by rechargeable electric models.

Electric vehicles (EVs) run solely on battery power, while hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a blend of fuel and electric energy for longer travel. These innovations are reducing dependence on fossil fuels, attracting investments, and creating new green jobs.

This shift marks the beginning of a cleaner, smarter transport ecosystem — one that is diversifying beyond traditional fuel distribution and maintenance.

Ride-Hailing Platforms Transform Urban Mobility

Ride-hailing platforms remain one of the most visible examples of technology transforming Nigeria’s transport system. Services such as Uber, Bolt, and local startups have digitised urban mobility, making on-demand rides an everyday convenience.

By connecting passengers and drivers through mobile apps, ride-hailing services have introduced transparency, safety, and efficiency into city transport. GPS navigation, digital payments, driver ratings, and trip tracking have improved accountability and passenger confidence.

The platforms have also created new employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians and encouraged innovation through bike-hailing, carpooling, and corporate mobility services.

AI-Driven Traffic Management Gains Ground

Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming central to Nigeria’s transport modernisation efforts. AI-powered systems now use sensors and cameras to analyse real-time traffic data and optimise signal timing, reducing congestion and improving travel speed.

In Lagos and Abuja, intelligent transport systems (ITS) — such as smart cameras, digital road signs, and automated reporting tools — are helping authorities manage road traffic, track incidents, and coordinate emergency responses.

The Lagos State Government has deployed smart traffic lights and a central control centre that monitors live vehicle movement, paving the way for data-driven urban mobility management.

Digital Ticketing Simplifies Public Transport

Digital ticketing and payment systems are redefining public transportation in Nigeria. The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has introduced the Cowry Card, a contactless payment solution that allows commuters to pay seamlessly for BRT, ferry, and train rides.

Through mobile apps or NFC-enabled cards, commuters can now avoid cash transactions and paper tickets, making transport payments more convenient and transparent.

These systems also help reduce fraud, enhance data collection, and improve service planning for public transit operators.

The Future of Autonomous Mobility

While Nigeria is still far from deploying fully autonomous vehicles, the foundation for automation is slowly emerging. Advanced driver-assistance features — such as lane detection, adaptive cruise control, and collision alerts — are already available in some modern vehicles.

These technologies are the first steps toward a future where vehicles will operate with minimal human input. However, full adoption will depend on regulatory frameworks, infrastructure upgrades, and affordability.

A Nation on the Move

Nigeria’s transport system is no longer defined by inefficiency or fuel dependency. Instead, it is being reimagined through innovation — with startups developing mobility apps, investors exploring electric assembly plants, and governments integrating smart infrastructure.

The rise of AI, electric mobility, and digital payments signals a new era of convenience and sustainability in Nigeria’s mobility ecosystem.

As these technologies continue to evolve, Nigeria’s transport revolution is not just about getting people from one place to another — it’s about driving the nation toward a smarter, cleaner, and more connected future.

The post Nigeria’s Transport Revolution: How Technology Is Steering The Future Of Mobility appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Uber’s General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Deepesh Thomas, said riders enjoyed a consumer surplus valued at nearly N500 billion in savings of time, cost, and convenience. Drivers collectively earned N6.1 billion more in 2023, with average earnings 34% higher than their next best alternative, while the flexibility of driving was valued at N6.3 billion.

The report showed that 97% of riders cited safety as their top reason for using Uber, a sentiment even more pronounced among women, with 78% saying it was the safest way to get home at night. In addition, 79% of riders said Uber helped reduce drunk driving by providing a reliable late-night travel option.

Broader ripple effects included nearly N930 million contributed to the nighttime economy, N5.4 billion in added value to Nigeria’s tourism sector, and more than 1.8 million hours saved by riders.

However, competition in Nigeria’s ride-hailing market remains intense. A recent Sensor Tower report shows Bolt is now the most downloaded mobility app in the country, surpassing both Uber and inDrive.

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