Kolawole Aina, AUATON’s South-West vice president, stressed the need for a unified regulatory system that benefits all stakeholders in the industry.

Speaking during an interview in Lagos, Aina noted the challenges faced by drivers using platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and Indrive, explaining that state-level regulations in many parts of Nigeria have been unfavourable to drivers. 

Out of the 26 states where e-hailing drivers operate, only 15 to 17 have regulatory frameworks, Aina said. This often prioritises state revenue and app companies’ interests over drivers’ welfare.

Aina further spoke on the importance of creating a regulatory structure that involves all stakeholders, including government agencies, app companies, drivers, and passengers. He criticised the current system, which places financial and operational burdens disproportionately on drivers and riders.

“Drivers are left to bear the burden of multiple taxes and operational challenges while the states and app companies benefit,” he said. Aina added that a federal framework would harmonise policies and promote fairness across the industry.

The AUATON Vice President further explained that a national regulatory framework could enhance security by introducing passenger profiling, similar to the profiling already done for drivers. This, he said, would help curb the kidnapping of e-hailing drivers and ensure safer operations. “Just as drivers are profiled, passengers should also undergo similar checks. This would significantly reduce the risks faced by drivers,” he suggested.

On taxation, Aina decried the heavy levies enforced on drivers by multiple authorities, calling for a streamlined system to ease their financial burden. “We are taxpayers and contribute to the economy, yet our voices are often ignored. A collaborative relationship between the government, app companies, and drivers is essential for seamless operations,” he said.

Aina revealed that AUATON has been advocating for this national framework for years and hosted a conference in 2024 to push for its implementation. Plans are ongoing for another conference in 2025, aimed at bringing together stakeholders to deliberate on solutions.

The union leader also appealed for improved collaboration between app companies, governments, and drivers to ensure seamless business operations. “We need a system where all parties work together for mutual benefit. Drivers, as taxpayers, deserve to have their voices heard,” Aina said.

AUATON, established in 2023, represents e-hailing drivers, food and courier delivery riders, and other app-based transport workers. The union was officially recognised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment after years of advocacy to address the concerns of app-based workers.

The union continues to push for policies that prioritise fairness, security, and economic benefits for all stakeholders in Nigeria’s e-hailing 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.