The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has petitioned the National Assembly and the Lagos State House of Assembly over what it described as the continued exploitation of ride-hailing drivers by digital transport companies.
The union made its position known during a protest held on Thursday in commemoration of International Workers’ Day (May Day), which also resulted in a 24-hour suspension of ride-hailing services nationwide.
In a statement, Steven Iwindoye, spokesperson for AUATON Lagos, said the petition underscores the “poor treatment” of app-based transport workers operating under platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Lagride, and Rida.
“For too long, we have been subjected to exploitation, insecurity, and a lack of recognition,” the statement read. “We have been paid below the cost price of premium services and forced to endure modern-day slavery in the form of technological manipulation.”
The union’s demands include the imposition of a 5 percent cap on commission rates, pricing autonomy for drivers, and formal recognition as key stakeholders in Nigeria’s transport sector.
Iwindoye warned that failure by the companies to meet these demands would lead to further action, including picketing the offices of the app operators.
“If app companies (App sharks) fail to comply, we shall massively move to new indigenous app companies that are ready and willing to comply with drivers’ demands,” he said.
He also revealed that AUATON is collaborating with other stakeholders to develop a driver-led ride-hailing platform that promotes fairer industry practices.
