The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has issued a strong warning to ride-hailing companies operating in the country, demanding immediate action to address exploitative practices and protect app-based drivers.

The union also threatened a nationwide boycott if its demands were not met.

The union is seeking formal recognition of app-based workers under Nigerian labour law.

It also called for a restorative national conference involving lawmakers, union leaders, and platform representatives to address the widening gap between corporate policies and driver welfare.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, Agnes Sessi, expressed concern over the continuous exploitation of platform drivers.

She emphasised the union’s dual focus on both driver and rider safety.

“We are not only addressing the issues of safety, security, and welfare of the members of AUATON. We are also concerned about the safety of the riders as well, particularly about the protection of life,” Sessi said.

“Since the motto of the NLC is ‘Injury to one is Injury to all’, the Nigerian government must rise to the occasion,” she added.

She recounted a tragic incident from 2021, where a driver was robbed and killed by an artist posing as a rider. Despite promises of insurance coverage from platform companies, Sessi criticised the lack of tangible support for victims’ families.

She said, “You told us there is insurance. But there has never been a time you showed up when tragedy struck. You have always failed the driver’s test. That insurance coverage, you have never provided for the families.”