The abrupt departure of Uber from Nigeria’s ride-hailing market has triggered a strong reaction from the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), which accused the company of abandoning thousands of drivers who helped build its business in the country.

AUATON condemned what it described as Uber’s “unprofessional” withdrawal, saying the company left without adequate notice, consultation with drivers or a transition plan.

In a statement signed yesterday by its National Spokesperson, Comrade Jossy Adaraniwon, the union said Uber’s exit demonstrated what it described as the consequences of a business model that prioritises profit over the welfare and rights of drivers.

According to the union, the thousands of Nigerian drivers who depended on the platform deserved better treatment.

“Uber’s exit is the direct consequence of its exploitative foundational business model,” AUATON said, alleging that the company’s model failed to recognise workers’ rights and collective bargaining.

The union further accused Bolt and InDrive of adopting similar practices, arguing that the competition among the major ride-hailing platforms had contributed to declining earnings and worsening working conditions for drivers.

AUATON said the current situation, characterised by longer waiting times, lower revenue for drivers and fewer active drivers, should serve as a warning to other operators in the sector.

The union specifically warned Bolt and InDrive against operating without establishing what it described as a genuine framework for collective bargaining with AUATON.

It said platforms that refused to engage with drivers’ representatives could eventually face the same challenges that led to Uber’s departure.

“If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON to protect and prioritise driver welfare, you will suffer the same fate,” the union warned.

AUATON said its demands remained unchanged, including recognition as the bargaining representative of app-based transporters, fair remuneration and welfare packages, as well as transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labour Organisation standards.

The union also urged its members across the country not to be discouraged by Uber’s exit, but to remain united and support platforms willing to enter into collective agreements with their representatives.

To Bolt and InDrive, AUATON said its door remained open for dialogue, but warned that “time is running out.”

The union also accused Uber of playing an “anti-union and anti-worker” role during its operations in Nigeria.

It alleged that the company had previously petitioned the Federal Ministry of Labour against the registration of the union, sponsored individuals to create internal crises within the organisation and frustrated efforts to establish dialogue on better conditions for drivers.

AUATON said it would not allow foreign ride-hailing companies to enter the Nigerian market, benefit from the labour of local drivers and leave without accountability.

The union maintained that the future of Nigeria’s app-based transport sector must be built around fair pay, collective bargaining, safety and dignity for drivers.

“AUATON will not forget Uber’s anti-union and anti-worker role it played in Nigeria,” the union said.