The planned protest against the standoff over the data-sharing agreement between the Lagos State Government and Uber Technologies System Nigeria Limited has been formally canceled by the Lagos chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON).
Despite what some media outlets have said, the Union is more upset with Uber than with the Lagos government because the latter ignored its order to integrate the Application Programme Interface (API), which is essential for real-time data exchange.
Jaiyesimi Azeez, the Union Chairman, has acknowledged the importance of the API integration in enhancing driver safety and has voiced support for it. This position is a result of the concerning events affecting their members, in which drivers have been attacked by passangers.
The union underlined the need for the API integration in a statement released by Lagos PRO Iwindoye Steven. This is because the API will offer a strong mechanism to quickly address and reduce traumatic occurrences, protecting the members’ safety and well-being.
In the midst of these events, the Union has expressed its appreciation to the Lagos State Government’s (LASG) Ministry of Transport for taking the initiative to free the seized automobiles.
This ministry action is seen as a step in the right direction toward resolving the existing problems and encouraging cooperation between the drivers of e-hailing services and the regulatory bodies. In addition, the Union members have made it clear that the Lagos State Government is not the target of their complaints.
