By Emmanuel Ogbodo
E-hailing drivers in Abuja have rejected the fare rates set by Uber and Bolt, establishing their own fixed pricing system. A circular from a group known as the “Concerned Abuja Pilots” outlined the new rates, stating that the decision followed extensive discussions sparked by ongoing fuel price hikes.
The drivers explained that their new pricing structure was necessary due to the app companies’ refusal to adjust fares in response to rising fuel costs. They will add an extra charge to whatever rates the apps dictate.
“Starting Saturday, we will revise fares to reflect current realities. For short trips, the new rate will be 450 naira per kilometre, and for long trips, 400 naira per kilometre. Drivers should renegotiate fares based on this circular or cancel the trip,” the notice stated.
Currently, the per-kilometre rate on Uber is approximately 150 naira.
The circular noted that this temporary price adjustment would last for two weeks, giving riders time to adapt to the new rates. Drivers, struggling to maintain their vehicles under the current system, were urged not to undermine this new pricing plan, even if they operate vehicles using CNG.
To enforce the new rates, the group said monitors would be placed in key areas to request rides at low prices. Drivers who fail to renegotiate would be led to a location for a two-hour “crash orientation course.”
The group also asked drivers to display the circular in their vehicles for passengers to see. While Uber recently raised fares by 13%, drivers argue that this does not align with the 40% rise in fuel costs.
This move comes amid Nigeria’s fuel scarcity crisis, which saw prices jump from 620 naira to 890 naira per litre—a 45% increase. In response, drivers have been turning off air conditioning during rides and negotiating fares directly with passengers to cope.
One driver, Oyebode, shared that he had been driving without air conditioning for weeks to conserve fuel. “Most riders understand, but some don’t. I’m hoping things will be clearer in a few days,” he said.
Another driver, Ajibola Vincent, noted that some drivers had already begun adjusting fares to reflect the situation. Many have even stopped working until app companies increase rates, while others are negotiating higher prices with passengers to cover the soaring fuel costs.
The drivers are calling for Uber and Bolt to adjust their fare algorithms to account for the spike in fuel prices. Vincent explained that the unofficial rise in fuel costs is making it difficult to maintain profitability, leaving many drivers with no choice but to park their cars.
