The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has submitted a formal petition to the National Assembly, accusing international ride-hailing platforms—Uber, Bolt, and InDrive—of exploiting Nigerian drivers and failing to protect their rights and safety.
The petition, dated May 1, 2025, was sent to the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions. In it, the union described the working conditions for app-based drivers as “precarious,” citing systemic corporate abuse, worker misclassification, and the absence of social protections.
According to AUATON President Damola Adeniran, the platforms treat drivers as “self-employed,” allowing them to avoid providing benefits such as health insurance, fair pay, job security, and collective bargaining rights. “This misclassification is a form of disguised employment that denies drivers the basic protections regular workers receive,” he said.
The union claims that the failure of these companies to implement proper safety protocols has led to violent attacks, carjackings, and deaths among their members. In one tragic example, Kevin Ogah Ede, a driver using Bolt, was allegedly murdered in October 2023 during a ride. His vehicle was tracked, but the perpetrators were never brought to justice, and the company reportedly offered no support to his family.
Another driver, Pastor Luka, was shot in the neck during an attempted carjacking in May 2024. Though he survived after two months in hospital, the union says two of the attackers were released without being prosecuted.
“These are not isolated incidents,” Adeniran said. “Families have been left to mourn in silence. Platforms have failed to ensure proper passenger vetting, real-time emergency response, or accountability.”
AUATON also criticised the National Collective Agreement adopted in May 2024, calling it ineffective and lacking in enforceable standards. They argue that it has not improved working conditions or held platform companies accountable.
The petition calls on lawmakers to organise a National Restorative Conference in July 2025, involving government agencies, ride-hailing platforms, and driver representatives. The goal is to reevaluate the employment status of app-based drivers and establish formal protections under the law.
– Legal reforms that clearly define the rights of app-based drivers, especially around misclassification and labour protections.
– Full participation of Uber, Bolt, and InDrive in a national conference aimed at systemic reforms—without assuming guilt, but to show willingness to cooperate.
– Enforceable rules to regulate algorithmic management, driver safety standards, and transparent operating conditions.
The union cited both national and international labour standards to support its claims, including Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, Section 91 of the Labour Act, and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
“This petition is not just about better working conditions—it’s about dignity, safety, and respect for thousands of Nigerians earning their living through these platforms,” Adeniran stated.
As of press time, representatives of Uber, Bolt, and InDrive had not responded to the petition. Efforts to reach the House Committee for comment were also unsuccessful.
