The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has submitted petitions to the National Assembly and the Lagos State House of Assembly, accusing digital transport companies of exploiting ride-hailing drivers across the country.
In a statement released on Thursday to mark Workers’ Day, the union said it also staged a nationwide protest to draw attention to the plight of drivers on platforms like Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Lagride, and Rida.
The protest, which coincided with May Day celebrations, led to a 24-hour suspension of services by participating drivers nationwide.
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Steven Iwindoye, spokesperson for AUATON in Lagos, said the petition outlines ongoing concerns about the poor working conditions and unfair treatment of drivers who sustain the app-based transport industry.
“For too long, we have been subjected to exploitation, insecurity, and a lack of recognition,” the statement reads.
“We have been paid below the cost price of premium services, forced to endure modern-day slavery in the form of technological manipulation”.
The union listed its demands, which include a 5 percent commission cap, price autonomy for drivers, and recognition as legitimate stakeholders in Nigeria’s transportation ecosystem.
Iwindoye warned that if the companies fail to respond, the union will escalate its action by picketing their offices.
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