The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has set aside its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Ministry of Labour and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), citing constitutional inconsistencies, as it moves to tackle worsening welfare conditions among its members.

 The decision was reached at an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting convened on April 25, 2026, following the expiration of the MOU, which had temporarily barred the union’s Central Working Committee (CWC) from holding NEC meetings.

 In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Media, Publicity and Technical Committee, Comrade Jossy Adaraniwon, the union said the emergency session became imperative amid mounting pressure from state councils seeking national direction over declining earnings, high commissions, and rising safety concerns in the ride-hailing sector.

 According to Adaraniwon, the NEC—chaired by AUATON President, Comrade Damola Adeniran, and attended by representatives from across the country—unanimously resolved to prioritise the union’s constitutional framework over the expired MOU.

“The NEC appreciated the Federal Ministry of Labour and the Nigeria Labour Congress for their timely intervention in preventing factionalisation of the union,” he said. “However, it emphasised the need for the union to operate strictly in line with its constitution as approved by the Ministry, noting that aspects of the MOU contradicted this framework and enabled acts capable of destabilising the union.”

The union disclosed that the NEC also ratified a series of internal leadership decisions, including the reinstatement of the incumbent president to the NLC following what it described as his “illegal removal,” as well as his restoration as the primary signatory to the union’s bank accounts.

It further confirmed the elevation of the Acting General Secretary to a substantive role and approved plans to hold the next physical NEC meeting in Akwa Ibom State.

On disciplinary matters, the NEC recommended sanctions against members accused of anti-union activities, constitutional breaches, and actions deemed capable of bringing the organisation into disrepute.

Adaraniwon noted that the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing members’ welfare challenges through stronger collective bargaining and unified engagement with stakeholders in the gig economy.

In his closing remarks, Adeniran commended members for their commitment to preserving the union’s unity, urging continued support for efforts aimed at securing improved working conditions.

“Members must remain steadfast and united in the pursuit of better welfare and industry standards,” Adaraniwon quoted the president as saying.

The AUATON has in recent months been at the centre of internal disputes, with concerns over leadership tussles and the broader challenges facing app-based transport workers in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving gig economy.