LagRide Drivers Get Green Light to Use Uber, Bolt, inDrive as NLC Intervenes in CIG Dispute

Drivers on the LagRide platform have now been authorized to operate on other ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive, following a critical meeting mediated by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) amid ongoing tensions with CIG Motors, the current managers of the LagRide scheme.

This resolution was reached after a closed-door session involving drivers’ unions, representatives from CIG Motors, officials from the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), and members of the Lagos State Chapter of the NLC, led by Comrade Funmi Sessi.

A Major Win for Drivers

Despite resistance from CIG representatives, NLC officials gave LagRide drivers the go-ahead to register and operate freely on other ride-hailing platforms. This means commuters in Lagos will soon be seeing LagRide-branded vehicles showing up when they order rides on other popular apps.

“CIG refused to budge, so the NLC stepped in and told us to go ahead and work with other platforms without fear,” said a source familiar with the meeting.

“We’re no longer restricted to one app that barely functions. We just want to work and pay off our vehicles,” another driver stated.

Why Drivers Are Pushing Back

LagRide’s transition to CIG Motors management in late 2024—following its takeover from former tech partner Zeno—has been riddled with challenges. While CIG was brought in with promises of innovation and electric vehicle integration, the drivers say the experience has fallen flat.

The major issues reported include:

• Faulty app functionality – Missing destination input fields, no fare estimates, and poor navigation options.
• Lack of Google Maps integration – Drivers complain the current map system is unreliable and doesn’t cover many parts of Lagos.
• Limited service coverage – The app only operates efficiently in high-end areas like Victoria Island, ignoring wider parts of Lagos such as Ikorodu, Epe, Festac, and Berger.
• Low request volume – Many drivers say they're barely getting trips unless they remain in VI, making it unprofitable and unsustainable.

“This is Lagos, not China. We signed our contract with Ibile, not with CIG. We need something that works for all of us,” said Kolawole David, one of the protesting drivers.

NLC Steps In

During the meeting at CIG’s Lagos headquarters, Comrade Funmi Sessi expressed strong concern over the app’s failures and its economic impact on drivers who still have assets to pay off.

“The captains are ready to work and meet their obligations, but the app must be flexible, transparent, and functional,” she stated.

In response, Mr. Niyi Sallu, representing CIG, claimed improvements had been made to the platform, though drivers argued that major issues remain unresolved.

Eventually, the NLC sided with the drivers, giving them full backing to diversify their operations and promising to prevent harassment by police or security agencies.

“We will speak to the police and the task force. No driver should be arrested for operating outside the LagRide app,” said Sessi.

What’s Next?

With the NLC’s endorsement, LagRide drivers now have the freedom to run trips using any e-hailing platform, effectively breaking their dependence on the flawed LagRide app. The union also signaled willingness to return to negotiations—but only when CIG is ready to make real changes.

For now, Lagos commuters can expect to see LagRide vehicles more frequently across all major apps, a win for both drivers and passengers.