Follow Us on Google
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Drivers under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, demanding mandatory health insurance, compensation for injured colleagues, and stronger government regulation of the ride-hailing industry.
The protesters, led by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of AUATON, said app-based drivers across the country continue to face increasing safety risks, poor welfare conditions, and a lack of social protection despite their growing contribution to Nigeria’s transport sector.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the drivers expressed concern over the rising number of deaths and injuries recorded among operators while on duty, lamenting that affected drivers and their families often receive little or no support.
Addressing journalists, Acting Chairman of the AUATON FCT Council, Evans Agada, said the demonstration was aimed at drawing government attention to the plight of drivers and honouring colleagues who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We are out today in solidarity with our fallen comrades. We cannot continue burying our drivers. Government should regulate the industry and protect us,” he said.
Agada called for the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework that would compel ride-hailing companies to provide health insurance coverage, accident compensation, and improved safety measures for drivers.
Other News
According to him, many app-based transport operators who suffer accidents are left without adequate support, leaving their families to bear the financial burden.
Assistant Secretary of the AUATON FCT Council, Comrade Femi Adeyinka, stressed the need for compensation mechanisms for drivers who become incapacitated while carrying out their duties.
“There should be compensation for drivers. Some have accidents and can no longer work, and their families are suffering. We need regulation and health insurance,” he said.
The union also accused some ride-hailing platforms of making critical decisions affecting drivers, including fare pricing and commission structures, without adequate consultation with operators.
AUATON said the proposed regulatory framework would promote accountability among ride-hailing companies while guaranteeing the welfare, safety, and rights of drivers.
The protesters maintained that their action was peaceful and intended to encourage dialogue between government authorities, transport regulators, and ride-hailing companies on measures to improve working conditions within the sector.
