Exclusive: Uber and Lagos state end month-long row on real-time data sharing

Mobility giant Uber and Lagos state have reached an agreement, ending a month-long row after the government’s request to enforce a 2020 deal to share real-time data. 

In March, two people on Uber’s side of the argument raised surveillance and privacy concerns following the request. Uber held out on giving the government access even as competitors like Bolt acquiesced. 

The government responded by impounding cars belonging to Uber drivers and the state of talks between both parties remained uncertain.

“We have reached a truce, we shifted ground, and Uber too has shifted ground,” Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, the Lagos state director of transport operations, told TechCabal on a call. “The impounded cars have since been released after 72 hours, based on compassionate grounds.”

Uber did not respond to a request for comments.

While the data-sharing resolution prevented service disruption, driver discontent persists. Many drivers want Uber to lower its 25% commission while others point out the increased difficulty levels associated with driving. Long queues for petrol at fuel stations and accelerating inflation continue to depress earnings.

Drivers have also accused Uber of lowering fares.

“The price mechanism contributes to the delay in getting rides,” said Ibrahim Ayoade, the general secretary of the App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON). Another driver, Somoye Olalekan explained that low fares have taken him off the platform. A publication reported that Uber drivers received a 10% commission increase. Ayoade has since countered that report as a short-lived promotional campaign which was never sustained.