Uber and Bolt drivers demand regulatory framework for ride-hailing operations in Lagos

The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has made a public appeal to the Lagos State government, requesting the enforcement of a collective agreement designed to bring order and fairness to the burgeoning ride-hailing sector within the state.

Kolawole Aina, who serves as the South-West zonal chairman of AUATON, elaborated on the purpose of the agreement, highlighting its focus on the regulation of union members and the protection of their welfare. He pointed out that the agreement addresses critical concerns such as the issue of unfairly low fares, the high commissions charged by e-hailing companies, and the arbitrary activation and deactivation of drivers on these digital platforms.

Aina explained that the “collective agreement” proposes a framework for collaboration among the government, app-based transport companies, drivers, and passengers, ensuring that the responsibilities and benefits within the ride-hailing ecosystem are equitably distributed. While the federal transport and labour ministries have given their nod to the agreement, the Lagos State government has yet to endorse it.

He further detailed a vision for a system that allows for the monitoring of each ride by all stakeholders involved, ensuring mutual benefits for the government, companies, drivers, and riders alike.

Addressing the pressing concerns of insurance and security, Aina shed light on the dangers faced by drivers, including fatalities and loss of property at the hands of criminal elements posing as customers. He underscored the necessity of comprehensive insurance coverage that would protect drivers, passengers, personal belongings inside the vehicles, and the vehicles themselves against such risks.

AUATON, as a registered trade union under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress, stands firm in its commitment to advocate for the rights and welfare of its members. The union’s stated goals, as per its official website, include the defense of its members’ interests, the enhancement of their economic conditions, and the assurance of safety and security for all workers engaged on digital transportation platforms.

AUATON, representing a substantial membership base estimated between one hundred thousand to over two hundred thousand individuals across Nigeria, encompasses a broad spectrum of workers within the online transportation sector. The union’s membership includes drivers affiliated with e-hailing or online transport services, individuals engaged in food delivery and courier services via app-based bikes and bicycles (commonly referred to as dispatch workers), app-based bike passenger transporters, and those involved in app-based bus passenger services operating nationwide.

In a significant development, the Lagos State government and Uber, a prominent player in the e-hailing market, reached a consensus in April 2024 to put an end to a protracted disagreement. The dispute, which lasted for a month, revolved around a contentious requirement instituted by the city in 2020, mandating the sharing of real-time data for ride-hailing services. The resolution of this conflict marks a pivotal moment in the regulation and operation of e-hailing services within Lagos State, potentially setting a precedent for data-sharing practices and regulatory compliance in the industry.