AUATON condemns Uber’s exit from Nigeria
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has condemned Uber’s sudden exit from Nigeria, describing it as unprofessional.
AUATON national spokesperson, Jossy Adaraniwon, alleged that Uber left Nigeria’s ride-hailing market without prior notice to drivers.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Adaraniwon described the development as irresponsible and a disregard for thousands of Nigerian drivers who built Uber’s platform.
He alleged that Uber’s exit resulted from what AUATON described as an exploitative business model that disregarded workers’ rights and collective bargaining.
According to him, Bolt and InDrive subsequently adopted similar practices, contributing to a “race-to-the-bottom” in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector.
Mr Adaraniwon said the situation had led to longer waiting times, lower driver earnings and fewer active drivers due to poor working conditions.
He warned Bolt and InDrive against exploiting drivers, urging both platforms to establish genuine collective bargaining mechanisms with AUATON.
“If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON, you will suffer the same fate,” he said.
Mr Adaraniwon said AUATON’s position remained that the union should be recognised as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters.
He demanded fair pay, welfare packages, transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labour Organisation standards.
The spokesperson urged AUATON members nationwide not to be discouraged by Uber’s exit, but to remain united and support platforms willing to sign collective agreements.
“To Bolt and InDrive: The door for dialogue is open. But time is running out,” he said.
Mr Adaraniwon also alleged that Uber played an anti-union and anti-worker role in Nigeria, including petitioning the Federal Ministry of Labour against the union’s registration.
He further alleged that Uber sponsored individuals within AUATON to instigate internal crises and frustrate dialogue on drivers’ welfare.
He said AUATON would not allow foreign platforms to operate in Nigeria, exploit Nigerian drivers and leave without accountability.
Uber on Wednesday announced it would cease its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Amid layoffs of thousands of workers, Uber launches first-ever autonomous driving in UK
Uber launched the UK’s first autonomous ride-hailing service just a day after laying off thousands of workers in a major restructuring.
Politics
Gov Nwifuru threatens to deal ‘mercilessly’ with LG chairmen, Ebonyi residents if APC loses
“If you allow anybody to come to your local government and mess up, deal with that person mercilessly,” Mr Nwifuru said.
Anti-Corruption
U.S. largest workers’ union leader Kimberly Goodwin busted for criminal activities, convicted
AFGE is the largest federal employee union, representing 820,000 workers in the federal government and the District of Columbia.
Agriculture
FG backs sustainable mechanisation, commends NADF
The federal government has commended the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation drive through skills development.
Rights
Gov Nwifuru says women drive Ebonyi’s development
Governor Francis Nwifuru says women remain critical drivers of economic growth, good governance, peace and sustainable development in Ebonyi.
Economy
AUATON condemns Uber’s exit from Nigeria
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has condemned Uber’s sudden exit from Nigeria, describing it as unprofessional.
