Doubling Fees Sparks Nationwide Driver Uprising: Moove's High-Stakes Gamble

Moove, a prominent ride-hailing company in Nigeria, has faced widespread disruption after its drivers staged a nationwide protest in response to a 100% increase in weekly remittance fees. The move, which went into effect on June 10, 2025, requires drivers to pay double the previous amount for access to their weekly earnings, leading to a complete shutdown of operations across multiple cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Drivers claim the new policy has cut into their net income and threatens the sustainability of their livelihood.

The protest began on the morning of June 12, with thousands of Moove drivers refusing to log in to the app and instead gathering at key transportation hubs. According to the Moove Drivers Association (MDA), the fee hike was introduced without prior consultation or transparency, violating the existing partnership agreement between the company and its drivers. The MDA issued a statement demanding a rollback of the fee and calling for the establishment of a transparent grievance mechanism.

Moove has yet to issue a formal public response to the ongoing standoff. However, in a statement shared internally with select partners, the company described the fee increase as a necessary step to "ensure the financial sustainability and continued growth of the platform." It also hinted at the need to "reinvest in infrastructure and driver benefits," without providing specifics. Critics argue that the increase has instead led to a sharp decline in driver turnout, with some reporting a 50% reduction in daily earnings compared to previous weeks.

The shutdown has had immediate effects on the broader ride-hailing market in Nigeria. With Moove accounting for approximately 35% of the active ride-hailing market in Lagos, users have reported delays, increased wait times, and in some cases, a complete absence of available drivers. Competitors such as Bolt and Uber have seen a temporary uptick in usage, but industry analysts caution that the ripple effects could persist if the dispute remains unresolved.

This is not the first time Moove has faced backlash from its drivers. In 2024, drivers protested over delayed payments and uncommunicated policy changes, leading to a temporary disruption in service. The current protest has drawn heightened attention due to the scale of the fee increase and the coordinated nature of the response. Labor rights groups have called for urgent negotiations to prevent further escalation and to establish clearer contractual terms between platform operators and drivers.