Hundreds of app-based transport drivers in Lagos have staged a peaceful protest, calling on the Federal Government to enforce health insurance coverage for platform workers and implement sweeping reforms in the e-hailing industry. The protesters, operating under the aegis of the Liberation Movement of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), urged authorities to ensure that ride-hailing and delivery platforms complied with the directive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which mandates health insurance coverage for workers on digital platforms.
NHIA directive and demands
The drivers noted that the NHIA, acting under the NHIA Act 2022 and the Presidential Directive on Mandatory Health Insurance, had directed location-based digital platforms, including Uber, Bolt, InDrive and other app-based transport operators, to provide health insurance for drivers and other workers operating on their platforms. According to the union, many app-based transport workers have yet to benefit from health insurance, pension protection, accident coverage, and other social security schemes despite the directive.
The protesters called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to make compliance with NHIA requirements a mandatory condition for the continued operation of digital transport platforms in Nigeria. Also, the drivers demanded employer-supported healthcare contributions from platform companies, access to quality healthcare for drivers and their dependents, pension and retirement savings schemes, as well as comprehensive accident, disability and life insurance protection.
Security and economic concerns
They also sought stronger security measures, including mandatory facial recognition and identity verification for riders before trips are accepted, alongside improved profiling and verification processes to enhance driver safety. Economic concerns featured prominently during the demonstration, with drivers demanding a reduction in commissions charged by ride-hailing companies to a maximum of five per cent and an upward review of fares to reflect rising fuel costs, inflation and vehicle maintenance expenses.
The union further called for official recognition of AUATON as the legitimate body representing app-based transport workers in collective bargaining and policy discussions. It also urged government regulators to introduce measures that would prevent exploitative practices and protect drivers from excessive working hours and fatigue-related accidents.
Union leader's remarks
Speaking during the rally, Spokesperson of the Liberation Movement and member of AUATON’s Oshodi-Isolo Branch, Aghedo Samson, decried the worsening economic conditions facing drivers. He particularly criticised InDrive’s fare negotiation system, arguing that it allows riders to dictate prices at the expense of drivers’ earnings. The union warned that many drivers were compelled to work for extended periods daily in order to earn enough income, thereby exposing them to health risks, road crashes and other occupational hazards.
Future actions
The group assured that it would continue to advocate lawfully and engage relevant authorities until meaningful reforms were implemented. It also urged ride-hailing companies to work with driver representatives to address growing concerns within the sector. The protesters maintained that the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s e-hailing industry depended on fair remuneration, healthcare protection, pension security, improved safety measures and effective government regulation.
