It has been reported that some Uber and Bolt e-cab drivers in Lagos on Saturday asked the e-hailing companies to increase the charged fees, or they would go on strike from Monday.
The e-cab operators, which exists under the Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association (PEDPA) and has Idris Shonuga as the National President revealed this at a news conference in Lagos and called for immediate upward review of e-cab fares to reflect the current economic reality in the country.
According to Shonuga, “over 95 per cent of e-hailing transactions are consummated through Uber and Bolt platforms. In a quest to work harmoniously at resolving some issues, the association wrote several letters to the companies which were not attended to, showing nonchalant attitude towards our plight”.
Shonuga added that “Your companies have failed, refused and neglected to honour our request for a meeting to discuss issues beneficial to all e-hailing drivers in Nigeria. And to fashion, a harmonious relationship that will benefit, dignify and improve the standard of living of e-hailing drivers, private car owners and the general standard of e-hailing business in the country”.
The National President also made it known that “Instead of fixing a new and reasonable fare in line with inflation, the companies have recklessly continued to maintain the low fare, thereby, impoverishing young, hard-working Nigerians who are diligently and lawfully trying to make a decent living”.
While stressing in the need to heed their plea, the cab operators demanded adequate welfare package for drivers and compensation to the families of those that lost their lives or are permanently disabled in the line of duty.
According to reports, the association revealed that more than 15 drivers had lost their lives, and more than 20 others have been kidnapped or killed by ritualists without any compensation from the operators.
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