…Urges drivers to review terms

The Lagos State Council of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has raised concerns over reported liability disclaimers in inDrive’s terms of use, urging drivers to examine the contractual provisions governing their safety, welfare and legal protections.

The union’s Lagos State Chairman, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, popularly known as Makavelli, called on drivers to understand the potential implications of the platform’s terms, particularly in cases involving accidents, injuries, robbery, vehicle damage and disputes with passengers.

In a statement addressed to e-hailing drivers, Azeez referenced a report by Technext24 titled “inDrive: Zero Liability to Drivers and Riders,” which reportedly examined provisions in the company’s Terms of Use that seek to limit or exclude its responsibility for certain losses, injuries and damages associated with the platform.

The report also reportedly highlighted clauses seeking to distance the company from disputes between drivers and passengers.

Azeez, however, acknowledged that the interpretation and enforceability of such provisions would depend on the applicable law, the precise contractual wording and the circumstances of individual cases.

He questioned the extent of protection available to drivers who bear the costs of vehicle acquisition, fuel, maintenance, repairs, tyres and insurance while using the platform to earn a living.

According to him, drivers must understand the responsibilities accepted by ride-hailing companies and the remedies available when incidents occur during trips arranged through their applications.

“Drivers deserve a clear explanation of the protections available to them when using the platform,” he said, urging inDrive to clarify its position on safety, accountability and support for drivers involved in serious incidents.

The AUATON chairman argued that the ability of drivers to negotiate fares or accept and reject trip requests did not eliminate the risks associated with e-hailing operations.

He maintained that fare flexibility should be accompanied by effective emergency response systems, meaningful complaint resolution procedures and appropriate cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Azeez also called for greater transparency in contractual relationships between ride-hailing platforms and their drivers, insisting that workers should understand the implications of the terms they accept.

He stressed that contractual disclaimers did not automatically extinguish every legal responsibility a company might have under Nigerian law, just as their existence did not, on its own, establish liability.

The union outlined five key demands, including transparency over driver protections, accountability for incidents connected with platform operations, improved safety measures, fair contractual terms and sustained engagement with recognised driver representatives.

It urged inDrive to explain the responsibilities it accepts when incidents arise through its platform, particularly in circumstances where the company’s own conduct may be relevant.

The union also called for meaningful investigations into reported incidents and stronger support mechanisms for drivers facing safety threats or disputes.

Azeez said the concerns extended beyond inDrive’s contractual provisions to broader questions about the responsibilities of technology companies operating in Nigeria’s e-hailing industry.

He argued that drivers’ contributions to the operations of ride-hailing platforms should be matched by serious consideration of their safety, welfare and legitimate concerns.

“Drivers are not disposable tools for generating revenue. We are human beings with families, responsibilities, investments and rights,” he said.

The AUATON chairman advised drivers to read platform terms and conditions carefully, retain evidence of incidents and seek qualified legal advice when necessary.

He clarified that the union’s position was an advocacy call for greater transparency and accountability, rather than a legal determination that inDrive had breached its obligations or that any particular contractual provision was invalid.

The statement concluded with a call on drivers to reconsider their use of the platform, including Azeez’s recommendation that they uninstall the inDrive application.

AUATON said its Lagos State Council would continue advocating for improved safety, fair treatment, dignity and accountability across Nigeria’s e-hailing industry.

Efforts to speak with Country Director, inDrive Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji, proved abortive as a message sent to him on Whatsapp was not responded to as at the time of filing this report.