Ride-hailing drivers in Lagos are demanding a fairer playing field, urging the state government to adopt a collective agreement that would regulate the industry.
The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), a registered trade union formed in 2023, is advocating for better wages, security measures, and a more transparent system for driver deactivation.
“The document, which we call the collective agreement, is about how the government, app-based companies, drivers, and riders can have a fair share of responsibilities in the industry,” said Kolawole Aina, South-West zonal chairman of AUATON.
AUATON’s push for regulation comes with concerns about low pay, high commissions charged by ride-hailing companies like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive, and a lack of security for drivers.
“As a union, we saw the problems, created solutions and presented the solutions to government,” Aina explained. “The federal ministries of transport and labour accepted it, but the Lagos State government has not given us a listening ear.”
The collective agreement seeks to address these issues by establishing minimum pricing standards, capping commission fees, and ensuring a clear and fair process for driver deactivation.
AUATON is also highlighting the growing safety risks faced by ride-hailing drivers. Aina pointed to the tragic death of the union’s deputy president earlier this year from fatigue and the dangers posed by “criminally-minded customers.”
The union is calling for mandatory insurance coverage for drivers, riders, vehicles, and belongings during trips. This would provide financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or violence.
AUATON is against the reliance on algorithms by ride-hailing companies for driver management. Aina argues that human intervention is essential in decision-making processes that impact driver livelihoods.
AUATON’s advocacy is in line with the current situation of unionization among app-based transportation workers across Nigeria. The union’s formation in 2023 stemmed from driver discontent with pay cuts implemented by Uber in 2016, highlighting a long-standing struggle for fair treatment in the industry.
The Lagos State Government is yet to respond to AUATON’s demands.
