The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has petitioned the Lagos State government over what it described as worsening exploitation and unsafe working conditions faced by ride-hailing drivers operating on platforms including Uber, Bolt and inDrive.
In a letter dated May 25, 2026, and addressed to the state attorney general and commissioner for justice, the union called for urgent legal, legislative and regulatory intervention in the sector.
AUATON said drivers’ welfare and safety conditions had continued to deteriorate despite previous engagements with government authorities, adding that regulatory enforcement remained weak.
The union also cited a directive by the National Health Insurance Authority requiring app-based transport and logistics platforms to provide health insurance access for independent contractors under the NHIA Act 2022 and a September 2025 presidential directive on compulsory health insurance.
According to AUATON, ride-hailing companies deduct commissions and service charges without providing adequate welfare protections, including health insurance and social support systems.
The union alleged that several drivers had been attacked, killed or dispossessed of their vehicles since 2017, while passenger-related incidents also exposed gaps in platform safety protocols.
It demanded mandatory National Identification Number linkage and compulsory facial verification systems for both drivers and riders.
AUATON also criticized what it described as excessive commission charges, saying an average driver earning N60,000 daily loses as much as 27% to fees, alongside fuel, maintenance and other operational costs.
It said many drivers are left with less than N3,000 daily after deductions and expenses, despite long working hours, warning that the situation has contributed to fatigue-related accidents.
The union called for commission caps of no more than 5% or the adoption of a daily subscription model of N500 to N1,000.
It also proposed that at least 2% of commissions be placed in a jointly managed escrow account to fund health insurance, vehicle insurance, pensions, housing support, soft loans and safety equipment such as trackers and dashcams.
AUATON accused ride-hailing platforms of unilateral fare setting, inconsistent pricing and alleged manipulation of trip calculations, and criticized their refusal to formally recognize the union as a stakeholder.
The group called for a roundtable meeting involving all stakeholders and urged the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to compel compliance with labour, welfare and safety standards.
It warned that drivers would continue peaceful protests until reforms were implemented in the e-hailing sector.
