The Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of the App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has introduced a LED car roof advertising initiative aimed at boosting the income of e-hailing drivers and fleet owners within the state.
Council chairman Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez confirmed the launch in a conversation with Technext, describing the scheme as a modern solution that enables drivers to earn additional passive income.
How the Digital Roof Advertising Program Works
As part of the initiative, participating vehicles will be equipped with high-tech LCD roof display panels that showcase advertisements and brand messages from corporate clients. Drivers will simply continue their normal daily activities, earning money based on the number of hours their cars display the ads.
Azeez explained that the project is designed to help drivers improve their financial standing during the busy Yuletide season and sustain steady income throughout the year.
“This LED roof display program transforms everyday vehicles into revenue-generating assets,” he said. “Drivers can earn ₦70,000 to ₦150,000 per month, depending on their display time.”
He added that the scheme allows participants to join a statewide digital advertising network aimed at reshaping mobility and brand visibility in Lagos.
Drivers Continue to Battle Low Earnings Across the Country
Income dissatisfaction remains a major challenge for e-hailing drivers in Nigeria. Many argue that their earnings barely cover operating costs, fuel, repairs, data subscriptions, and maintenance, forcing them to raise fares independently.
In 2024, the Concerned Abuja Pilots set their own fare prices:
- ₦450 per km for short-distance trips
- ₦400 per km for long-distance trips
This was nearly triple the ₦150 per km fare available on Uber at the time.
More recently, AUATON branches in Edo and Rivers states implemented a 50% fare increase, citing worsening earnings from platforms like Bolt and inDrive.
Ride-hailing companies, however, dispute low-earning claims.
Bolt says top drivers earn ₦1.61 million monthly, while inDrive reports over ₦1.2 million for its highest performers.
Drivers insist these figures reflect only a small group and do not consider the high cost of operations, which drastically reduces take-home profit.
A New Earnings Alternative for Lagos Drivers
Instead of relying solely on fare adjustments or commission disputes, the Lagos AUATON chapter is offering this LED roof advertising program as an alternative income source.
The union highlights that the scheme is stress-free, requires no extra driving, and integrates seamlessly into drivers’ regular routines. The real test will be how widely Lagos drivers embrace the initiative and how much it ultimately boosts their financial stability.
