AUATON Faults Uber’s Withdrawal, Presses Bolt and InDrive on Driver Welfare
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has criticised Uber over its sudden exit from the Nigerian market, saying the company left thousands of drivers without notice, consultation or transition support.
In a statement signed by National Spokesperson Jossy Adaraniwon, the union described the withdrawal as unprofessional and symptomatic of a business model that undervalues driver rights.
“Uber’s exit is the direct consequence of its exploitative foundational business model,” the union said, adding that the company failed to recognise workers’ rights or engage in collective bargaining.
AUATON extended its criticism to Bolt and InDrive, warning that falling driver earnings and worsening working conditions across ride-hailing platforms should serve as a caution to remaining operators.
“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 statement read.
The union reaffirmed its core demands: recognition as the bargaining representative of app-based transporters, fair remuneration and welfare packages, and transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labour Organisation standards.
AUATON urged its members to remain united and support platforms willing to enter into collective agreements. It said the door remains open for dialogue with Bolt and InDrive but warned that “time is running out.”
The union also accused Uber of playing an “anti-union and anti-worker” role in Nigeria, alleging the company petitioned the Federal Ministry of Labour against the union’s registration, sponsored internal divisions and obstructed efforts to improve driver conditions.
AUATON insisted that foreign ride-hailing companies should not profit from Nigerian drivers’ labour and leave without accountability. The union said the future of the sector must be built on fair pay, collective bargaining, safety and driver dignity.