In Lagos state, some Uber drivers are planning to go on strike on Monday, to protest the recent clampdown by the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Services.
“We are going on strike by Monday,” a driver who gave his name as Michael said on Saturday morning. “VIO (Vehicle Inspection Officers) are disturbing us too much these days.”
According to VIS officials, commercial vehicle drivers and those on Uber and other ride-hailing platforms must be certified by the Lagos Drivers’ Institute before they can operate in the state.
Uber drivers, he said, must have hackney permits since they use their vehicles for commercial purposes. He also said Uber has also not paid an operator license fee to the state government.
The drivers whose cars were impounded were asked to pay N60,000 fine.
A spokesman for Uber in West Africa Efosa Aiyevbomwan said he was not aware about the drivers’ plan but said Uber was open to engaging with them to understand their concerns.
“We are constantly working to improve their experience to ensure flexibility, increased economic opportunity, and driver support,” Aiyevbomwan said in an emailed statement.
“The vast majority of independent drivers continue to rely on the freedom and flexibility the Uber app provides.”
