The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has petitioned both the National Assembly and the Lagos State House of Assembly, alleging widespread exploitation by major ride-hailing companies operating in the country.
In a statement issued during a protest held on May Day, AUATON accused platforms such as Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Lagride, and Rida of subjecting Nigerian drivers to unfair labor practices and economic manipulation.
The union-backed protest led to a 24-hour nationwide suspension of ride-hailing services, drawing attention to long-standing grievances around pay, working conditions, and digital oversight.
“For too long, we have been subjected to exploitation, insecurity, and a lack of recognition,” said Steven Iwindoye, spokesperson of AUATON Lagos. “We are being paid below the cost of premium services and forced to endure modern-day slavery in the form of technological manipulation.”
Key Demands and Threat of Escalation
AUATON is demanding the implementation of a 5 percent commission cap on ride fares, price autonomy for drivers, and formal recognition of drivers as legitimate stakeholders in Nigeria’s transport ecosystem.
The union warned that failure by app operators to meet these demands would lead to further action, including picketing company offices and a potential migration to new, indigenous ride-hailing platforms that align with driver-friendly policies.
“If these app companies the ‘app sharks’ continue to ignore our demands, we will shift en masse to Nigerian platforms that respect our rights,” Iwindoye stated.
Toward a Fairer Platform
AUATON also revealed ongoing collaborations with other industry stakeholders to develop a driver-led ride-hailing platform that prioritizes equitable compensation, safety, and transparency.
The protest and petition signal a growing call for regulatory reforms and labor protections in Nigeria’s fast-expanding digital transport sector where drivers, despite fueling the industry, often remain at the margins of profit-sharing and policy decisions.
