The strike action is also driven by the recent removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent increase in petrol prices announced by President Bola Tinubu during his inauguration. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited raised the price of petrol from N197 to over N500, causing a significant surge in the cost of goods and services.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, AUATWON expressed their dissatisfaction with the removal of fuel subsidy, which has led to a staggering 270 per cent increase in petrol prices, coupled with the burden of an "unreasonable 25 per cent commission charge on every trip." They argue that these factors have rendered their business and investments unprofitable, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.
As a result, the drivers are demanding a 200 per cent increase in fares and a 50 per cent reduction in commission rates. Additionally, they are calling for an end to the unjust deactivation of drivers and the implementation of open collective bargaining with AUATWON.
The association claims to have communicated their demands to the ride-hailing companies, but their concerns have been ignored thus far. They are now urging fleet managers, driver-partners, and app-based transport workers nationwide to support the strike and acknowledge that their services will be temporarily withdrawn during the protest. They also request that all drivers on rentals or higher purchases receive a moratorium or waiver.
AUATWON believes that this united action is necessary to safeguard their investments as fleet managers, protect their businesses as workers, and secure their jobs as app drivers. They express confidence that such measures will contribute to the establishment of a more favourable and profitable industry that benefits all stakeholders involved.