LagRide drivers to boycott services, plan protest over threat of arrest

Drivers of LagRide, a government-backed ride-hailing platform, have threatened boycott of services over threats by the platform’s operators to involve the Lagos State Task Force in arresting them over alleged misconduct.

Mr Steven Iwindoye, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), disclosed this in Ikeja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LagRide management accused drivers of discouraging riders from using the LagRide app and promoting alternative ride-hailing services such as InDrive and Bolt.

In a notice sent to drivers, the management alleged that some were refusing trips without valid reasons and collecting cash payments instead of processing fares through the app.

It described these actions as policy violations and sabotage.

To enforce compliance, LagRide management warned that officials from the Lagos state task force and regulators would monitor and arrest non-compliant drivers.

“Non-compliant captains (drivers) will face strict disciplinary measures, including possible arrest, impoundment of vehicles, and legal action,” the notice stated.

However, Iwindoye warned LagRide management against impounding vehicles and arresting drivers, stating that such actions would escalate tensions.

“The government’s failure to address our concerns may lead to protests and strike action, including shutting down LagRide,” he said.

Iwindoye explained that drivers resorted to offline negotiations and cash payments because LagRide disabled the cash option in the app, allegedly to force drivers to remit earnings and receive payments weekly.

He criticised this arrangement, saying in spite of multiple levies imposed by CIG Motors,” the company does not cover vehicle maintenance or repairs.”

These levies include insurance, communication, dashcam, and phone charges.

NAN reports that CIG Motors Co. Ltd, is a Chinese state-owned automaker of GAC Motors.

LagRide, initially a partnership between the Lagos State Government and Zenolynk Technology Ltd, the original app developer, is now controlled by CIG motors Co. Ltd.

CIG motors took over management after the Lagos government’s partnership with Zenolynk ended in March.

Following the transition, CIG Motors launched a new app after the original developer reportedly shut down the old one.

However, barely a month into its operations, LagRide faces a growing crisis as drivers continue their offline boycott, demanding app-related issues be addressed.

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