The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has officially petitioned the Lagos State Government, raising serious concerns over what it describes as worsening exploitation and unsafe working conditions faced by drivers operating on ride-hailing platforms, including Uber, Bolt, and inDrive. In a letter addressed to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the union urgently called for legal, legislative, and regulatory intervention in the operations of these ride-hailing companies within Lagos State.
Deteriorating Welfare and Safety Conditions
AUATON highlighted that the welfare and safety conditions of drivers have continued to deteriorate, with no sustainable regulatory enforcement being achieved. The union referenced a recent directive by the National Health Insurance Authority, which mandates app-based transport and logistics platforms to provide health insurance for independent contractors and workers, in line with the NHIA Act 2022 and the September 2025 Presidential Directive on compulsory health insurance. Despite this, ride-hailing companies continue to deduct various commissions and service charges from drivers without providing adequate welfare protection, including health insurance and social support schemes.
Safety Concerns and Attacks on Drivers
The union alleged that since 2017, several drivers have been attacked, killed, or dispossessed of their vehicles, while incidents involving passengers have also exposed significant gaps in safety protocols on the platforms. To address these issues, AUATON demanded mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) linkage and compulsory facial verification systems for both drivers and riders.
Excessive Commission Charges
AUATON decried what it described as excessive commission charges imposed by the companies. According to the union, an average driver earning N60,000 daily loses as much as 27 percent to commission and booking fees, alongside rising operational costs such as fuel, feeding, vehicle remittance, and maintenance. After all deductions and expenses, many drivers are left with less than N3,000 daily despite working long hours under harsh economic conditions. The union attributed this situation to fatigue-related accidents among drivers.
Proposed Solutions
The union demanded that commissions charged by ride-hailing companies should not exceed five percent, or alternatively, a daily subscription model ranging from N500 to N1,000 should be adopted. AUATON also proposed that at least two percent of commissions collected by the companies be set aside in a jointly managed escrow account to fund health insurance schemes such as ILERA EKO, vehicle insurance, pension schemes, soft loans, housing support, and the installation of trackers and dash-cams.
Unilateral Fare Fixing and Lack of Recognition
The union further accused the platforms of unilateral fare fixing, inconsistent pricing, and alleged manipulation of trip calculations. It also criticized the companies' refusal to formally recognize AUATON as a stakeholder in the industry. The union called for a roundtable meeting involving all stakeholders and urged the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to compel the companies to comply with labour, welfare, and safety standards.
Peaceful Protests Planned
AUATON warned that drivers across Lagos State have resolved to continue peaceful protests until meaningful reforms are implemented within the e-hailing sector. The union remains committed to advocating for the rights and safety of app-based transporters in Nigeria.
