Ride-hailing platform Bolt has agreed to address key driver grievances, including trip tariffs and the review of blocked accounts, following a consultative meeting with the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON).
The consensus follows a four-day strike organized by drivers who voiced frustration over dwindling take-home pay, steep platform commissions, surging vehicle running expenses, frequent account bans, and the app operator’s lack of formal union recognition.
Fare calculations emerged as a major point of contention during the session, with drivers emphasizing the growing disparity between low ride rates, high operational expenditures, and general vehicle upkeep. In response, Bolt asked for additional time to coordinate with relevant internal teams and promised to propose a date in the coming week for a session dedicated exclusively to fare adjustments.
The transport tech firm also acknowledged driver feedback regarding current waiting-time compensations. While operators are presently allowed to cancel trips without penalties after five minutes of waiting, Bolt confirmed that an internal assessment is underway to determine whether current paid waiting rates require updating.
To handle grievances surrounding deactivations and suspensions, Bolt announced plans to establish a Driver-Partner Dispute Resolution Clinic. Run with input from AUATON representatives alongside independent drivers, the clinic aims to bring clarity to account sanctions and offer a structured channel for appeals. However, Bolt noted that individual cases will still follow standard platform guidelines, user privacy rules, and overall safety obligations.
Addressing the escalating cost of automotive upkeep, Bolt unveiled an upcoming Vehicle Care and Standards Clinic. Organized in conjunction with designated auto repair partners, the program will grant eligible operators access to minor and medium repair support to ensure cars stay roadworthy and passenger safety standards are upheld.
Additionally, the mobility firm outlined plans for an ongoing Driver Academy and Capacity-Building Programme, which will incorporate input from union representatives and independent drivers to bolster service professionalism and platform usage. Bolt also announced a “Ten Years on the Road” campaign to celebrate long-standing drivers who have driven the sector forward, reaffirming its dedication to road safety, vehicle standards, and service reliability.
