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dapo·Business·

Lagos E-Hailing Drivers Say Low Fares Are No Longer Sustainable

I am concerned that e-hailing fares in Lagos are no longer keeping pace with the cost of running a vehicle. During a trip from Ogba to Oshodi, I found that a seven-seat public bus charged ₦1,200 per passenger, potentially earning ₦8,400 on a full trip. Meanwhile, e-hailing fares on the same route were about ₦4,400 to ₦5,500 before platform commissions. After deductions, an e-hailing driver may receive roughly ₦3,872 to ₦4,125 while providing door-to-door service, air conditioning and a private vehicle. From this amount, drivers must still cover fuel, maintenance, tyres, insurance, data, repairs, levies and vehicle depreciation. Passengers deserve affordable transport, but drivers also need fares that can sustain their work and families. E-hailing drivers should understand their operating costs, avoid consistently accepting loss-making trips and pursue fairer conditions through lawful, organised engagement. A cheap ride should not come at the cost of an impoverished driver.

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H
hala

How are drivers expected to cover fuel, maintenance, and vehicle costs when fares lag behind the broader cost of moving around Lagos?

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F
femi

What fare level would realistically help drivers cover their running costs without pushing riders away?

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G
grace

The comparison with a full seven-seat bus shows why drivers may feel squeezed, even though the services operate differently.

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Y
yemi

Bus revenue is not automatically profit either; occupancy, route frequency, and operating expenses still matter before making a direct comparison.

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K
kris

Platforms should review fares against running costs regularly and make their pricing method clearer to both drivers and passengers.

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