The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has criticised Uber’s decision to exit Nigeria’s ride-hailing market, describing the move as unprofessional and unfair to drivers.
AUATON National Spokesperson, Jossy Adaraniwon, alleged that Uber shut down its ride-hailing operations without giving drivers adequate prior notice.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Adaraniwon described the decision as irresponsible and accused the company of disregarding thousands of Nigerian drivers who helped build its platform in the country.
He attributed Uber’s exit to what the union described as an exploitative business model that failed to adequately protect workers’ rights and support collective bargaining.
Adaraniwon further alleged that Bolt and inDrive later adopted similar practices, which he said had contributed to what AUATON described as a “race-to-the-bottom” in Nigeria’s app-based transport sector.
According to him, the situation had resulted in longer passenger waiting times, reduced driver earnings and a decline in the number of active drivers due to poor working conditions.
He warned Bolt and inDrive against adopting practices that could further undermine drivers’ welfare and urged both companies to establish genuine collective bargaining arrangements with AUATON.
“If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON, you will suffer the same fate,” he said.
Adaraniwon said AUATON wanted the union recognised as the sole bargaining representative for app-based transport workers.
He listed fair remuneration, welfare benefits, transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labour Organisation standards among the union’s key demands.
The spokesperson urged AUATON members across the country not to become discouraged by Uber’s departure but to remain united and support platforms that were willing to enter into collective agreements with the union.
“To Bolt and inDrive: The door for dialogue is open. But time is running out,” he said.
Adaraniwon also alleged that Uber had opposed union activities in Nigeria, including petitioning the Federal Ministry of Labour over AUATON’s registration.
He further accused the company of sponsoring individuals within the union to create internal divisions and frustrate discussions over drivers’ welfare. Uber has not, in the statement provided, responded to these allegations.
He said AUATON would continue to demand accountability from foreign ride-hailing platforms operating in Nigeria and would oppose any practices it considered exploitative of Nigerian drivers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Uber announced on Wednesday that it would cease its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria.
