Filmmaker and travel content creator Tayo Aina says his experience driving Uber in Lagos showed him how difficult it can be to make a living when you don’t own the car you’re driving.
He explained that even when drivers make about ₦100,000 a week, a large part of their earnings goes to Uber and the vehicle owner. Uber takes its commission, while the person who provides the car collects an even bigger share. By the time the driver gets what is left, there are still daily expenses to deal with, including food and fuel.
Aina said he spent about ₦1,200 on food in the morning and another ₦1,200 at night. When he added up the cost of feeding himself and buying fuel, the money he earned was barely enough to cover his expenses.
He described the situation this way:
“Uber drivers in Nigeria make at least ₦100K a week. Uber takes ₦20K, the partner who lends you the car takes ₦60K, leaving you with ₦20K. I spend ₦1,200 on food morning and night, and I still have to buy fuel. In a month, the ₦40K is gone and you have nothing left.”
For drivers working under this arrangement, the challenge is not just getting enough trips or making money. It is how little remains after everyone else has taken their share and the cost of keeping themselves on the road has been covered.
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