The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) staged a protest over what it called the “exploitation” of ride-hailing drivers by operators of digital transport platforms.
Speaking in a statement, the union revealed that it had also petitioned the Lagos House of Assembly after staging the protest on Thursday while commemorating May Day.
The demonstration, which was to further express the union’s grievance, resulted in the suspension of services for 24 hours across the country.
AUATON spokesperson in Lagos, Steven Iwindoye, disclosed that the petition points to the “poor treatment” of workers who power ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Lagride, and Rida.
“For too long, we have been subjected to exploitation, insecurity, and a lack of recognition.
“We have been paid below the cost price of premium services, forced to endure modern-day slavery in the form of technological manipulation,” part of the statement reads.
AUATON listed its demands, including a 5 per cent commission cap, price autonomy for drivers, and recognition as legitimate stakeholders in Nigeria’s transportation ecosystem.
“If App companies (App sharks) fail to comply, we shall massively move to new indigenous app companies who are ready and willing to comply with drivers’ demands,” Iwindoye added.